The Kiwis had to overcome both a star-studded Samoan side and a fanatical pro-Toa crowd in Auckland for a nail-biting 24-18 victory to kick off their Pac Champs campaign.
Mount Smart Stadium was saturated in a sea of Samoa flags, as the Kiwis were greeted by a chorus of boos as they entered the arena.
There was no question, this was Toa's house.
Coach Stacey Jones said they knew pretty quickly they were walking into a cauldron.
"Fish (skipper James Fisher-Harris) came in after he did the toss and said, 'hey boys, it's going to be a tough crowd for us,' but it was an outstanding crowd, and I think they just appreciated the contest that it was."
That point was perfectly illustrated as despite defeat, the supporters simultaneously rose to their feet at full-time and applauded.
Fisher-Harris said they embraced the reception they received.
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"We loved it. We try to channel it. A little hostile. Getting booed but at the end of the day, it's all love."
A similar scene is expected at Eden Park in a fortnight when the Kiwis host Tonga in Auckland.
The week off will be welcomed by players, as Jones said it was a bruising battle.
"There's some sore bodies in our changing room and probably for them too. So, a bit of relief for us. Obviously, off the back of last year, not getting any momentum."
After Dylan Brown put the Kiwis ahead late in the game, New Zealand were faced with a Samoan onslaught, but survived
"We were defending our line for long periods of time. These boys had each other back," said Jones.
That camaraderie was required for fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad after the fullback attempted to stop a 40/20 attempt, only to bat it back in field and on a platter for Samoa to score, a blunder which drew comparisons to Billy Slater's infamous error in the 2008 World Cup final.
Jones said Nicoll-Klokstad will bounce back quickly, and that he was not solely to blame.
"He crashed into the fence and just couldn't get back in the field of play. They were just big plays, Chanel's (Harris-Tavita) kick was spot on and we had players that clocked off, and that can't happen."
Fisher-Harris said they are bracing for another war when they meet Tonga on 2 November, as they battle not only the 13 on the field but also the army of fans in the stands.
"There no easy games in this competition."
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