New Zealand in the World Cup quarter-finals
Legendary All Blacks bulldoze Uruguay out of the way
October 5, 2023, 11:36 p.m
The All Blacks live up to their role as favorites at the Rugby World Cup and clearly defeat Uruguay. A place in the quarter-finals is certain, but group victory is not yet. Meanwhile, the Australians still have to worry about getting ahead.
Three-time world champions New Zealand have reached the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup in France. In their last preliminary round game, the All Blacks won against Uruguay 73-0 and took the lead in Group A with 15 points over the French. This means the All Blacks can no longer be pushed out of one of the top two places.
The undefeated hosts France, who won the opening game against the New Zealanders 27:13 on September 8th, will play against Italy at the end of the group on Friday. With a win, the French (currently 13 points) would be group winners. If they lose against Italy (10), France could fall back to third place and thus miss the round of the top eight. Four points are awarded for a win and a bonus point is awarded for four or more attempts in a game.
For New Zealand, who won the title in 1987, 2011 and 2015, Damian McKenzie shone with a try in each half. The All Blacks scored eleven tries against Uruguay, the New Zealanders’ impressive offensive strength is reflected in a total of 36 attempts and 240 points in the last three games – only the French kept the men in black in check at the start.
The two-time champion Australia had previously averted elimination in the preliminary round, at least for the time being. The selection of the proud rugby nation defeated Portugal in Saint-Etienne with 34:14 (24:7) and also scored the required bonus point with five tries. However, the Wallabies, who have already played their four preliminary round games, have to hope for a defeat without a bonus point for Fiji on Sunday against the so far winless Portuguese in order to progress. Group winners Wales (14) are already confirmed as quarter-finalists. They are followed by Fiji and Australia with equal points (10 each).