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National | All Blacks

Samoa locals overjoyed with excitement of historical rugby match

The All Blacks have beaten Manu Samoa in their historical test match in Apia this afternoon, 25-16.

It was a bruising affair in scorching temperatures.  It was a tight contest in the first half but the All Blacks pulled away in the second spell.

But this test match meant much more than the score line and the result.  While only 8,000 were lucky enough to cheer the teams on from inside Apia Park, the whole country stopped to see this historical event unfold.

This afternoon was declared a public holiday so everyone could get behind the Manu and watch them play the All Blacks at Apia Park.

Samoans based locally and abroad making their way into Apia to be a part of history.

Many Māori Kiwis also made the trip across the Pacific Ocean to watch the two rugby loving nations go head-to-head.

For many locals though, a ticket to the park was too expensive, so their support came via this big screen at Government Plaza.

If they're at the Stadium, at the Plaza or in their villages, the people are all hoping for a good result.

Win, lose or draw, it's clear that the local people bleed blue and are just happy to witness this historic game in their backyard.

The festive vibe that has been around the whole week will continue tonight into the wee hours, celebrating the game and having the All Blacks in their homeland.