APIA – In Samoa they call him the “ People’s Captain” and rugby hero, Mahonri Schwalger, has given not only the Manu Samoa players, but also the nation of Samoa, a massive rev-up ahead of the much-awaited test match against the All Blacks at Apia Park Stadium on July 8.

He refuses to support the notion that Manu Samoa does not have its best players available to take on the world’s most successful rugby team.

“Whatever players we have to wear the jersey and represent our country on the day – those are our best players,” he told the Samoa Observer this week.

Schwalger said he believes Manu Samoa can beat the All Blacks but said the players need the support and belief of the nation to achieve victory and should not go on the field thinking that they are a second tier or a second option.

“As a rugby player, you have to think you are the number one player. And our people need to believe that. These are our best players.

“When it comes to the day, it doesn’t matter who is wearing the jersey and who the All Blacks are. You’ve got to make sure you front up.

“You can train hard for how many weeks and years, but if you come on the day and you’re not up to it, you can’t win the game.”

And Schwalger remains adamant that the locals will have a huge edge against the All Blacks.

In the last three or four years, the All Blacks have played Manu Samoa in New Zealand, he said.

“And now the All Blacks have to come and play in our backyard and that’s hard. I believe we can win this game, because our people will be around and that will have a huge impact on the mindset of our players.

“When the going gets tough, you look to the side and see our people and it will bring another edge and give you strength to push it harder.

“And that’s why I believe the boys will win this game. For me, they have to. If we don’t, we will never have this opportunity again”.

With talk about All Blacks bringing their B team, Schwalger said that also doesn’t matter.

“Win or lose, they are the All Blacks and that’s something people need to take into account. It’s a hard task but I believe our boys will front up.”

It’s been five years since the last World Rugby Cup where Schwalger captained Manu Samoa.

“For me, being part of the Manu has been a huge privilege. It’s been my life for 15 years. And to live here in Samoa, I see that the people have a lot of passion for rugby. And that’s what drove us to do well for the Manu”.

With the coming All Blacks versus Manu Samoa test, Schwalger admits that he would love to be part of it. But he accepts that things don’t happen the way you always want.

He said being a captain of the Manu Samoa team was a huge privilege for him and something he will be able to treasure for the rest of his life. But he said he has moved on.

“All I’ve got to do now, is support these guys,” Schwalger said.