As expected, it has been a rusty start for both sides. New Zealand have dominated general play but have not looked threatening enough to score thus far. That being said, Samoa have given away a large amount of penalties which New Zealand have opted to kick for poles. Samoa have had very little possession in their opponents half and have struggled to put phases together without a handling error creeping in or the ball being turned. They will need to improve their ball retention considerably for the second half.

New Zealand steal the ball at the lineout and are on the attack for the final movement of play. Romano receives a flat ball and loses it forward in contact to bring the first half to a close.

Samoa have a scrum near their own 22m line. They attempt to run the ball out but they win a penalty after New Zealand's backline go offside at the scrum.

Penalty to Samoa, Jack Lam gets his hands on the ball and wins a penalty for holding onto the ball. Pisi fails to set up a lineout once again. Big opportunity lost for the home side.

New Zealand have a scrum on halfway, midfield. Plenty of attacking options on either side of the scrum.

5 Minutes remaining in the half, Pisi's kickoff is overcooked and goes out on the full.

Blood Bin Reversal

Scrum penalty to New Zealand, Samoan tighthead Johnston collapses. Carter lines up a kick for poles.

5m lineout to New Zealand, huge opportunity to get their first try of the match, however the ball is lost forward as a maul is being set up.

New Zealand attack from the halfway line, they have another advantage for offside but they don't need it as they make a break down field through McCaw. New Zealand then win a penalty at the ruck as Tuilagi enters the ruck from the side.