Rugby World Cup 2023 – New Zealand qualifies without a loss against Uruguay and puts pressure on the Blues

After the massive slap that the Italians (96-17) received less than a week ago on the same field at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, we expected a new performance from the All Blacks in the kind of round of 16 in which there was no need to waste time to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals. Final. Although the team has been largely reformed, it still has an exceptional level. New Zealand ended up smashing Uruguay's Terros in impressive ways. Santiago Arata's teammates held out in the first half, receiving only 26 points, and then collapsed in the second half with more than 50 extra pawns.

Tyros is very strong at the beginning of the match

The match started as expected with Solid dominance by the All Blacks And very useful possession of the ball. However, the hourglass passed through the first quarter of an hour without any points being scored for either the Lions or the Tyros. Both countries had settled behind the line but attempts by Roegaard (9th) and Mackenzie (17th) for New Zealand and those by Ardau (12th) for Uruguay were logically rejected by Wayne Barnes. We had to wait until the 20th minute for the All Blacks to open the scoring with a massive walk-off from the opposition's 22 metres. Roigard combined with Mo'unga to release McKenzie on the right flank who dived into the goal. Coming off the scrum will be the New Zealanders' big strength in this match (20, 7-0).

The second part of the first period became easier for the blacks who had finally broken through the South American barrier. At 25th, 34th and 38th, the fourth country in the world in the IRB rankings trailed the line with two more exits from groups full of successful combinations for attempts by Mo'unga (25th) and Roigard (38th). On the other hand, the third attempt, that of Will Jordan, was of a completely different mould, that of Damian McKenzie's talent. At the start of their camp attack, the Lions relied on playing at the feet of McKenzie on the right wing who passed to follow him. Having gained possession of the ball at a distance of 22 meters from Tyros, He saved the touch of balance By controlling the ball with his right hand while throwing Will Jordan inside for a try (34). The Lions went into the break leading 24-0, an improved result but not a huge one against a strong Uruguay side.

The second act is too long for Uruguay

Very quickly, the start of the second half indicated that we would not be experiencing a carbon copy of the first 40 minutes. One of the major rugby nations has a bench as strong or even stronger than the starting 15 players in this fixture. The All Blacks scored 7 tries, led by Samuel Whitlock who this evening celebrated his 150th cap for New Zealand, including 23 World Cup appearances. In the 45th minute, Fletcher Newell, who quickly replaced the injured Lomax, led by five points after numerous passes (31-0). Three minutes later, left winger Fainga'anuku scored the first of his three tries after an errant pass from Roigard (48th, 38-0). After another 5-minute time jump, it was No. 15 Damian McKenzie who went down for the second time after several phases of play in front of the Tyros (53, 45-0) try line.

It is always very difficult for the Black Team's opponents because they never stop scoring. Love of rugby, his country and respect for the opponent combined, the black waves continued with the ball almost never crossing half the pitch again. In the 65th minute, the scrum was again of high quality and this time a combination that gave a turn to all three quarters. Interspersed for the umpteenth time, Mackenzie found Jordan at the end of the line for a try (52-0). Three minutes later, the New Zealanders chose the left flank and provided a brace for Vainga'anuku (59-0). The last ten minutes presented the Lyon fans with two new attempts from Tamiti Williams (73rd) and a hat-trick by Fainga'anuku (77th, 73-0) on passed passes from the front lines of Taukiahu and Williams.

Under pressure, New Zealand once again fulfilled their contract since the opening defeat to France with an improved third win. Tomorrow she will know more about her fate in the quarter-finals. The first or the second? Ireland or South Africa. One thing is for sure, no one will be happy or disappointed with these quarter stickers.