The venue for Samoa's home clash with the All Blacks is now up to speed and ready to host the historic Test in July.
New Zealand Rugby has given its approval to development work at Apia Park in the Samoan capital after concerns were raised about an exposed concrete drain which threatened player safety, along with other issues.
Chief executive Steve Tew says the problem has been resolved and the small ground is starting to take on the appearance of a Test-quality venue for the July 8 match.
A NZ Rugby operations team returned from Samoa reporting the parameters of the ground were now safe for players, although some astro turf still needed to be laid over exposed areas at both ends of the ground.
A healthy layer of grass covers the field but still needs manicuring while necessary improvements to the main grandstand are on schedule, Tew said.
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"We're confident that everything will fit into place and it will be a very significant and exciting few days," Tew said.
The outbreak of a mosquito-borne virus, chikungunya, in Samoa last year had been an initial cause for concern.
However, Tew said the problem had dissipated although the situation would continue to be monitored.
The game will be the first sanctioned Test the All Blacks have played in the Pacific Islands.
