The All Blacks first venture to Samoa was worth the wait. In a historically special occasion, this test lived up to the hype.

For 60-odd minutes both teams fumbled and bumbled, crashed and bashed. Then the match came to life.

In-front of their people and with a small Island nation behind them, Samoa refused to lie down.

Many others have crumbled under such pressure but they showed immense heart and hunger. Everyone knew they would.

First Tusi Pisi banged over two long-range penalties to start the comeback. Then the 8000-strong crowd erupted when blindside flanker Alafoti Faosiliva crashed over with 12 minutes remaining to spark thoughts of a famous upset. They were on their feet. Samoa had their tails up.

Those frantic final moments will live long in the memories of every Samoan and, indeed, every rugby supporter. This is what embracing the spirit of the game is all about.