LIVE COMMENTARY (Be sure to refresh for latest update) NZ Heartland XV - 19 Samoa - 36. While the Manu will be expected to win comfortably against a Heartland team made up of amateur players, Jackson said it's still a valuable opportunity to test combinations and tactics before facing a much sterner test against Australia next weekend. The day began with Samoa making sure their preparations for the World Cup are on track, by defeating the NZ Heartland XV 36-19. Samoa opened their 2019 season with a home win against Tonga before narrow defeats against the USA and Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup. New Zealand Heartland XV Coach Mark Rutene has named his side to face Manu Samoa in their historic clash at Eden Park this weekend. Samoa have fought past a gallant New Zealand Heartland XV 36-19 in a highly entertaining opening to the Pasifika Challenge doubleheader at Eden Park on Saturday. Manu Samoa show flashes of brilliance in win over Heartland XV • Source: 1 NEWS Manu Samoa has beaten the NZ Heartland XV 36-19 in an entertaining clash at Eden Park this afternoon. New Zealand Heartland XV excited for Samoan challenge. Samoa have fought past a gallant New Zealand Heartland XV 36-19 in a highly entertaining opening to the Pasifika Challenge doubleheader at Eden Park on Saturday. Manu Samoa have been tested as their World Cup preparation continues to build momentum, defeating the New Zealand Heartland XV 36-19 at Eden Park in Auckland. Head coach Mark Rutene has named his Heartland XV side which will take on Manu Samoa in ther historic clash at Eden Park this weekend. Manu Samoa have been tested as their World Cup preparation continues to build momentum, defeating the New Zealand Heartland XV 36-19 at Eden Park in Auckland. The Pasifika Challenge II will see an international double header, with the New Zealand Heartland XV taking on Manu Samoa (kick off 2pm) followed by Tonga v Fiji. Pasifika Challenge II New Zealand Heartland XV v Samoa Saturday 31 August, kick off 2pm Eden Park *The match will be broadcast live on SKY Sports 3 (channel 53). A New Zealand Heartland XV made up of players from ten rural provincal unions gave a full account of themselves in the 36-19 loss to Manu Samoa at Eden Park on Saturday. Thames Valley’s Brett Ranga will lead the side from blindside flanker while an established front row of Carl Carmichael, Troy Tauwhare and Scott Cameron all got the nod after performing for the side last season. HIGHLIGHTS | New Zealand Heartland XV v Samoa - 2019 Proudly covering the teams in BLACK Catch all the action from the New Zealand Heartland XV v Samoa clash from Eden Park in Auckland.