31 May 2017

Sport: Blues feeling the support in Samoa

3:23 pm on 31 May 2017

The Blues are feeling the love in Samoa ahead of Friday's historic Super Rugby match against the Reds at Apia Park.

77-test All Black Jerome Kaino, who was born in American Samoa, arrived on Tuesday with teammate Pauliasi Manu and said the've received plenty of local support.

"It's all starting to get a good vibe here in Apia and everyone is starting to get excited. You see the Blues flags flying in town, flying on cars so it's all exciting as we draw nearer to the game," he said.

"I haven't seen many Reds flags to be honest. One fact that I know: there will definitely be some blue, whether it's the Manu Samoa blue or the Blues blue. Regardless, as long as there's blue at the stadium we will be happy with that."

Jerome Kaino is one of many Blues players with Samoan heritage.

Jerome Kaino says it's fitting for the Blues to be playing in Samoa. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Kaino said it meant alot for the Blues to be involved in the first Super Rugby match to be played in Samoa.

"I think it's fitting, especially with Tana (Umaga) being the coach and he's a son of Samoa and we've got a lot of Samoans in the squad," he said.

"Not just the current team - the players that have come through the Blues they've been of Samoan descent so I think it's fitting that we do give back to the islands and hopefully this is a small step into something bigger in the future."

Blues name six All Blacks to face Reds in Apia

Jerome Kaino won't take the field against the Reds but six All Blacks have been included in the matchday squad for the first major game under lights at Apia Park.

Outgoing Blues forward Steven Luatua.

Steven Luatua will start against the Reds in Apia. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu, former Samoa Under 20s international Steven Luatua, captain James Parsons, Rieko Ioane and Rene Ranger have been named to start, while prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi will come off the bench.

"We know this is a special game and a special occasion for the Blues to bring a home game to Samoa," said Blues Head Coach Tana Umaga.

"We have a significant number of our club who have heritage in Samoa, including myself, and it is a privilege for so many of our team to return home to play in front of friends and family.

"We hope the Blues fans in Samoa will come and support us on Friday. We saw a full house in Fiji recently for the Super game there and so it would be fantastic to see a packed stadium at Apia Park this week."

Blues coach Tana Umaga presents a team jersey to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Blues coach Tana Umaga presents a team jersey to Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in January. Photo: PHOTOSPORT