By Matthew Luddington
New Zealand……………………………………….73
Tries: McKenzie 20, 53; Mo’unga 25, Jordan 33, 65; Roigard 38, Newell 45, Fainga’anuku 49, 68, 77; Williams 73
Conversions: Mo’unga 21, 26, 34, 50, 54; McKenzie 66, 69; Barrett 74, 78
Uruguay………………………………………………0
New Zealand scored 11 tries to beat Uruguay and secure progression to the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks are likely to finish second in their group, with France expected to beat Italy in tomorrow’s match between the two sides and overtake them in Pool A, but another entertaining attacking showing completed a hugely impressive recovery in Pool A which has seen them score 240 points in their last three games, conceding only 20.
Damian McKenzie starred with two tries – including the opener – and produced superb work in the build up to New Zealand’s third, and he is one of several players who will be hoping they have given themselves a good chance to start for the All Blacks’ during their knockout stage.
Having witnessed New Zealand amass an impressive 96 points against Italy, one might have expected Uruguay, to approach their match against the All Blacks with caution. However, Los Teros went toe-to-toe with the All Blacks in the early stages of the game.
Uruguay prop Mateo Sanguinetti stripped the ball from Cam Roigard’s grip just before he could touch down for a try, before Manuel Ardao came remarkably close to giving Uruguay an unexpected lead, but Anton Lienert-Brown’s well-timed tackle forced Ardao’s trailing leg into touch.
It wasn’t until midway through the first half that the All Blacks managed to break through. Damian McKenzie found a gap in Uruguay’s defence after a five-meter scrum to score, and shortly thereafter, a handling error from Felipe Etchverry handed the All Blacks another scrum right under the posts. The result was predictable, with Richie Mo’unga replicating the feat in almost the exact same spot.
Soon after McKenzie produced one of the standout moments of skill at the World Cup as he chased down his own kick, which seemed destined for a 50/22, and scooped it inside with one hand, setting up Will Jordan for a straightforward try under the posts.
Will Jordan’s astounding pickup of an errant pass and subsequent deft chip ahead led to yet another five-meter scrum. Inevitably, Roigard evaded Nicolas Freitas with a skillful sidestep, and scored the bonus-point try that secured New Zealand’s spot in the quarter-finals.
At half-time, Uruguay found themselves trailing 26-0, a score that may have seemed slightly unfair given their spirited efforts. However, they struggled with accuracy near New Zealand’s try line, and the All Blacks showcased their ability to conjure something extraordinary out of nothing at any given moment, thanks to their world-class players.
The second half of the match unfolded as a more one-sided affair. It began with Fletcher Newell crashing over the try line from close range. Following that, a magical miss pass from Jordan allowed Leicester Fainga’anuku to score effortlessly, and McKenzie added his second try diving over from close range.
A special moment occurred when Sam Whitelock received a standing ovation as he left the field, celebrating his 150th cap, making him the first All Black in history to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Another five-metre scrum led to another try, as sharp handling by the All Blacks freed up Jordan for his second try of the match.
As the match wore on, gaps started to appear in the fatigued Uruguayan defence, and New Zealand capitalised on this opportunity. Leinert-Brown drew the last defender, creating space for Fainga’anuku to score his second try. Tamaiti Williams also drove over from short range to contribute to the scoreline.
In the closing moments of the game, Fainga’anuku secured his hat-trick as he powered over. Despite not performing at their absolute best, the All Blacks managed to secure a convincing 73-0 victory. Uruguay played better than the scoreline suggests, but were let down by inaccuracy at the vital moments.
New Zealand: McKenzie 9, Jordan 8, Leinart-Brown 8, J Barrett 6 (Clarke 53, 6), Fainga’anuku 7, Mo’unga 7 (B, Barrett 63, 7), Roigard 8 (Christie 53, 6) Tu’ungafasi 6 (Williams 46, 7), Taylor 6 (Taukei’aho 46, 6) Lomax 5 (Newell 9, 8), Whitelock 7 (S Barrett 63, 6), Vaa’i, Frizell 6 (Blackadder 54, 6) , Cane (c) 7 , Jacobson 7
Uruguay: Silva 6; Mieres 6(Alonso 58, 6), Inciarte 6, Vilaseca (c) 6, Freitas 5; Etcheverry 6 (Berchesi 50 5), Arata 6 (Ormaechea 60, 5); Sanguinetti 7 (Benitez 64, 5), Kessler 6 (Pujadas 63, 5), Arbelo 6 (Peculo 58, 5), Dotti 5 (Rodriguez 47, 5) Leindekar 6, Ardao 6, Bianchi 5, Diana 6 (Civetta 55, 6)
Referee: Wayne Barnes (Eng)
Star Man: Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)
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