APIA – A shock recall for Census Johnston is the main talking point of Manu Samoa’s 27-strong squad to take on the All Blacks in this week’s historic test match in Apia.

The front-rower announced his retirement from international rugby back in April, after signing a new deal with French side Toulouse, amid suggestions he was pressured by his club to make himself unavailable for his country.

But the 34-year-old veteran of 50 tests appears to have changed his mind two months out from Rugby World Cup.

Samoa midfielder Faialaga Afamasaga is the only locally-based player and one of two new caps, along with Chiefs utility back Tim Nanai Williams.

David Lemi, James Johnson, George Pisi, and Faifili Levave have been ruled out through injury while Rey Lee-Lo is also unavailable because of his involvement in this weekend’s Super Rugby final.

The Samoa Rugby Union Chair and Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, called on the team to “win for the hearts of all Samoans”.

“All the players will no doubt have already received similar words of wisdom from your families, friends as well as just about from everyone you hang around long enough to listen to on the streets of Apia – and expect more to come.

“I guess the players will have to forgive us and our people for our enthusiasm. The message being conveyed in different ways is the same – do your utmost, play strong, play smart and win.”

Twenty-two points is the closest Samoa have ever got to knocking over the All Blacks but, with a nation behind them and camaraderie building, there’s a strong sense Wednesday’s (Thursday Cook Islands time) test could disregard history.

The five previous meetings between the All Blacks and Samoa weren’t flattering.

The 22-point defeat in 1993 is easily Samoa’s best effort. The last, in 2008, featured a 101-14 blowout. Overall the All Blacks’ average winning margin stands at 55 points.

All of those tests have, of course, been played on New Zealand soil and all on New Zealand’s terms.

Three of those five encounters were also in June, a period where gaining access to the majority of Samoa’s extensive foreign contingent proves a constant battle.

This time most of Samoa’s squad has been settled in Apia for the past two weeks.

They’ve played a game against a local Apia team, had time to acclimatise to the heat and bed in combinations ahead of their standoff with the All Blacks.

“They haven’t always had a chance to play their A-team and get all their players out of Europe, particularly in that June window it’s been tough for them,” All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said.

“This time they’ve got guys out of European clubs that haven’t been thrashed for the past month. They’re probably in a similar state to us. This is the start of their World Cup build-up. They would have got rid of any lingering injuries.

“They’re at full strength and in their backyard so there’s two variables that are different from the past. I’ve been there before with the Juniors and they grow and arm and a leg. We’re certainly expecting that this week.”

This Samoan squad has the ability to cause serious problems. Not just for the All Blacks, either.

Their World Cup pool features the Springboks, Scotland, Japan and the United States and they will have visions of making their third quarter final appearance.

“If you look at their roster at the moment, their World Cup pool and their programme leading into it, they’re going to be a very dangerous team,” Foster said. “They’ve done it before. They’ve got history of causing a few upsets.

“The test is very significant for their country and that changes the whole dynamics of this one. We’re not feeling like there’s a gradual climb into other tests. This has got an edge about it all on its own.”

After two weeks together the All Blacks seem to have a notable edge compared to previous years. And with over half this week’s team expected to include the well rested Crusaders fatigue is no issue.

This, the first of five tests on the road to the World Cup, offers the All Blacks the initial chance to tweak their tactics.

After arriving in Apia on Monday night, the All Blacks face a hectic schedule during their next three days in Apia.

That includes a public parade and presentation, an official meeting with Samoa’s Head of State and rugby skills session with local children before the test.

“The team is really looking forward to meeting their fans in Samoa ahead of this historic test,” All Blacks manager Darren Shand said. “We know it’s going to be a fantastic few days for the whole of the country and we look forward to seeing as many people as we can.”

Results from previous All Blacks tests against Samoa:

• 2008: 101-14 New Plymouth

• 2001: 50-6 Albany

• 1999: 71-13 Albany

• 1996: 51-10 Napier

• 1993: 35-13 Auckland