New Zealand have won away at Samoa in a historical Test match in Apia, which was the first on the island between the two teams.
The match was physical in the early stages, with both sides displaying mean defences which regularly produced bone-jarring tackles.
New Zealand took the lead through two early penalties by Dan Carter, but Samoa hit back through Tusi Pisi.
In a game full of multiple phases and breaks in play, both teams struggled to find a rhythm, but Carter continued to punish Samoa's poor discipline as he converted two more penalties to give his side a 12-3 lead at the break.
In the second half, the All Blacks upped the tempo and found the first try of the game through George Moala, who spun through a tackle and slid over the line to score on his debut.
Pisi responded for Samoa with two further penalties, before Alafoti Fa'osiliva powerfully crashed over to score a try for the hosts.
However, a sixth Carter penalty confirmed victory for New Zealand, who start their World Cup preparations in impressive fashion.
Charlie Bennett
