from:
http://www.nrl.com/new-zealand-v-samoa-preview/tabid/10874/newsid/75153/default.aspx
Watch out Samoa: If the Kiwis needed to reassure anybody they still had it, a casual 50-0 demolition of the Cook Islands last week did the trick. The fact coach Stephen Kearney described his team's performance as "rusty" won't be good news to New Zealand's group rivals either. The reigning World Cup winners simply have strengths all over the park – Sonny Bill Williams is a walking headline after his heroics for the Roosters this season but the Kiwis also boast a strong pack, some lethal outside backs and a sensational playmaking spine of Issac Luke, Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran and Kevin Locke. They're going to be tough to stop.
Watch out New Zealand: The Samoans possess a great all-NRL backline, featuring Anthony Milford, Joseph Leilua, Ben Roberts, Antonio Winterstein, Daniel Vidot, Tim Lafai and Pita Godinet – but Milford is the man who could light up this tournament for Samoa. The fleet-footed fullback was a revelation for Canberra in his rookie season and he's got the talent to cause problems for even the reigning world champions.
Key match up: Kevin Locke v Anthony Milford. If Samoa are to get anywhere near the Kiwis in this match then Milford will need to fire. But his opposite number Kevin Locke is equally adept at picking out holes in a defensive line, and he's got a point to prove at club level after the Warriors recruited English star Sam Tomkins as their new No.1 for next season. Locke would love nothing more than to take personal victories over all the fullbacks he faces in this tournament – starting with Samoa's wonderkid Milford.
The way we see it: Samoa have a strong team and should finish second in Group B, but it's very difficult to see them beating the group favourites first up. The Kiwis have form, talent and experience on their side, and should make a statement here. New Zealand by 18 points.
