The All Blacks got the practice run they wanted against Samoa as they ran in 15 tries to notch up a record score against the under-strength islanders in the historic test in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.

And it really was nothing more than a practice run as the score finished 101-14 with the century being raised on the final whistle.

The fears of a blowout against a woefully weak Samoan team were realised as they were swamped by a black tide.

It was the highest score ever conceded by Samoa and, naturally, a record win by the All Blacks over the proud islanders.

While the merits and official test status of the match were being questioned by some of the purists, there were no complaints from a capacity crowd of 23,000 at Yarrow Stadium as they witnessed the All Blacks in action in the Taranaki for the first time.

It wasn't always perfect but it was pretty darned good for most of the match.

Let's face it, Graham Henry's side were in a bit of a no-win situation given the circumstances. But they made the most of what was in front of them to please the fans and certainly keep their coaches largely happy.

The test was being used as a warm-up for the Tri-Nations decider against the Wallabies in Brisbane on September 13.

It was a night that was all about the All Blacks keeping up the standards that has seen them score impressive wins over Australia and South Africa in their last two outings.

Yes there were some lineout wobbles and some of the clearance from the base of the scrum wasn't great. And sure they would have liked a more competitive opposition.

But they turned their wealth of possession into a procession of points. Their handling was reasonably slick, their support play was good and they even managed to get back-up first five-eighths Stephen Donald some valuable time in the driver's seat as Dan Carter was subbed at halftime.

The attack certainly didn't diminish with Donald running the show and he finished with 19 points.

There was one injury question mark. Anthony Tuitavake was in lively form as he enjoyed a bit of space for a change. But his night came to an early end when he was forced off after taking a knock to the head just before halftime. He seemed to be OK as he reappeared in his suit and tie on the sideline in the second spell.

The Samoan defensive line was frequently caught short through their formation or their lack of numbers out wide.

Under pressure they were forced to resort to illegal tactics at the breakdowns to try to slow down the All Blacks attack.

It proved costly. While halfback Notise Tauafao was in the sin bin the All Blacks managed to score 26 points.

The match was barely two minutes old when Samoan-born All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina weaved his way over for the opening try.

Adam Thomson, who has had a couple of close calls in his six previous tests, got over for the second a few minutes later and it was obvious that a landslide was under way.

The All Blacks got to 26-nil before Samoa got some reward for a rare bit of field position.

They forced an error at the back of the All Blacks' lineout and  as the play swept across field first five-eighths Uale Mai found prop Greg Somerville in the New Zealand defensive line and darted past him for the try which he converted.

But the All Blacks regathered to dominate the final phases of the first half, having six tries by the break - three of them by Muliaina - to lead 47-7.

Waikato youngsters Richard Kahui and Donald got a couple of early touchdowns after the restart as the frolic continued.

With a century begging at 94-7 the All Blacks found themselves in a spot of bother as Mai counter-attacked brilliantly and the Samoans got the benefit of a questionable TMO decision when flanker Alafoti Faosiliva was awarded the touchdown despite a suspect grounding.

But it was an occasion to be charitable to Samoa.

After all, they did the decent thing by providing the All Blacks with a hit-out before the biggest match of the year.

Yet they couldn't quite stop the inevitable as the All Blacks raised the century with another try to Kahui after the final siren had sounded. That took New Zealand to 99 and Donald converted for the magic three figures.

Samoa captain Filipo Levi said the All Blacks were too slick for his young team.

"One hundred points, what can you say? But we got two tries. It was a learning curve and a good experience for the boys," Levi said.

So'oialo said the match was a "valuable hitout" as the All Blacks had not played for a couple of weeks.

"They needed needed this game to turn their bodies over and get back on track for next week," he said. 

All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen agreed, saying: "We got what we needed to get out of it and there were no injuries as well."

New Zealand 101: Mils Muliaina 3, Adam Thomson, Conrad Smith 2, Jimmy Cowan, Richard Kahui 2, Stephen Donald, Ali Williams, Jerome Kaino, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu tries; penalty try; Dan Carter 6 con; Donald 7 con.

Samoa 14: Uale Mai, Alafoti Faosiliva tries; Mai con; Roger Warren con.