Excitement at fever pitch as All Blacks arrive for historic test.

‘We’re going to have to play really well because it’s going to be an emotional occasion. If we allow them to score too many points the crowd will go nuts.’

APIA – From the moment Richie McCaw led his team into Faleolo Airport on Tuesday the All Blacks were given a taste of what they will encounter in Apia this week.

Thousands turned out for the biggest welcome the All Blacks have ever received from a foreign country.

The car park was full. Locals packed balconies at the terminal and crammed in behind barriers to get their first up-close glimpse of the men in black.

“It’s a great turnout from the crowd,” All Blacks No. 8 Kieran Read said as the team were shadowed through a heavy security presence. “I feel a bit sad getting on the bus. It’s unbelievable.”

Once through the gates the All Blacks, each wearing a traditional lei and specially-made elei (island print) shirts, were treated to a passionate collaboration of Samoan and Kiwi haka. Fitting as so many locals when asked who they are supporting say, “both teams”.

On the road to the airport, elderly women waited patiently throughout the day, hoping the All Blacks would stop by.

“It was always a dream when I first made the All Blacks, “ American Samoan-born flanker Jerome Kaino said. “I always thought I’d love to come back here and perform but this is just a dream come true.

“It’s going to be loud. Not just the game but tomorrow and leading into the game. I’m feeling the heat already and it’s 10pm at night. It’s great to be here the boys are soaking it up.”

Straight off the plane the visitors were hit by the heat and humidity far removed from New Zealand’s winter climate.

Coach Steve Hansen admitted coping with the sweltering temperatures would be a challenge with a mid-afternoon kick-off.

Hansen is expecting an emotional occasion when his team take to the field.

“Obviously we’re worried about the heat,” he said.

“Thirty-three degrees is not ideal for playing rugby with black jerseys but that’s what it is and we’ve prepared for it so we’re looking forward to it.

“We’re going to have to play really well because it’s going to be an emotional occasion. If we allow them to score too many points the crowd will go nuts.

“It’s nice to be here. It means a lot to these people, their country and us. We’ve got a lot of Samoan boys in the team.”

Veteran hooker Keven Mealamu, another with strong Samoan heritage, expected the locals to feed off the passion of their people.

“Something that is pretty explosive I think but we’re looking forward to it,” he said of the historic test.

The groundswell of expectation continued to build yesterday with a parade through the town centre.

With the All Blacks arrival, Samoa Police will have their work cut out as the country swings into full party mode ahead of the test match today.

“Enjoy yourself but stay safe, be safe.”

That was the message this week from the Samoa police as the Manu Samoa campaign reached fever pitch yesterday.

Police Media officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, said their message to everybody was to enjoy themselves responsibly.

Since last week, the police have boosted the number of officers patrolling the streets.

Roadblocks to snare drunk and unlicensed drivers have been staged at various parts of the Apia and outside the main centre.

“We want to make sure everyone is safe,” said Su’a. “We are acutely aware about the danger of days like this where people are extremely happy and in the mood to celebrate.”

Su’a pointed out that there are also many visitors to Samoa and the police want them to enjoy their time here.

“We’ve been told that Prime Prime Minister To’osavili John Key is coming to watch the game and so that is another one of our goals. We want to keep our visitors and official delegations safe.”

Judging from the flags and banners going up all over the country, Su’a said the nationalistic spirit is at an all time high.