All Blacks head to Apia
New Zealand will play their first ever Test in the Pacific Islands next year against Samoa, as part of their build-up to the World Cup.
The New Zealand Rugby Union said the long-awaited clash will take place in Apia on July 8.
NZRU chairman Brent Impey said the match was a way of marking the close links between Samoa and New Zealand, who have fielded numerous players of Samoan heritage - including greats such as Bryan Williams, Frank Bunce, Michael Jones and current All Black Keven Mealamu.
"We know how much rugby means to Samoans and New Zealanders so to take the All Blacks to Apia will be a huge moment for all of us," Impey said.
"Importantly, we are not only honouring rugby's Pacific heritage, we are also providing players with a meaningful Test as part of our plan to ensure the All Blacks are in the best possible shape to win in England in 2015," he added.
Despite New Zealand's close proximity, the All Blacks have never played a Test in Samoa, Fiji or Tonga, with commercial considerations and a crowded international fixture list seen as the major obstacles.
As recently as May, the NZRU had said the World Cup champions' schedule meant there were no opportunities for a fixture until 2019.
New Zealand have played Samoa five times, winning all, with the most recent encounter a 101-14 mauling in New Plymouth in 2008.
The World Cup will hosted by England from September 18 until October 31 next year.
The Samoa Rugby Union welcomed confirmation of the match.
Chairman Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said it will be an historic occasion.
"The supporters of both countries will savour a unique event in Apia as the Manu Samoa will face the No.1 team in the world at home," Malielegaoi said.
"It is a match that will be watched by millions of viewers as we intend to broadcast it live to the rest of the world.
"I also challenge other Tier One Nations to come and play the Manu Samoa at home."
Impey said the Test would build on the strong support New Zealand Rugby had given Pacific rugby over many decades.
"We have been sending national teams to the islands since the 1930s. The Maori team have visited 13 times and played 65 matches. We also provide a variety of support to island nations through our work with the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions.
"We hope this Test match will excite fans, inspire young Samoan players and further raise the profile of rugby across the Pacific Islands."
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said 2015 is a massive year for them and this Test is an ideal way for us to begin their preparations for the Rugby Championship and World Cup in earnest.
"Many players in our team have strong ties to Samoa so this Test will be a great occasion for all of us. It will only enhance the links between our two countries," Hansen said.
"There is also a lot of respect for Manu Samoa and playing them at home will make this a great challenge - one we will all look forward to."
International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset said they delighted that for the first time New Zealand will play a full international match in Samoa.
"It will be an historic day for the game in both those countries and an exciting occasion for every rugby fan in Samoa who will get to see their team host the famous All Blacks," Lapasset.
"The IRB is excited to be involved and as part of our ongoing support of Pacific Island rugby, we will be assisting with operations and financial support to the Samoan Rugby Union through our high-performance investment programme to deliver the fixture."