New Zealand will expect to book their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals in emphatic fashion as they face Uruguay in their final Pool A match. The All Blacks have been in ominous form since that opening defeat to France, sweeping aside Namibia and Italy, and anything other than more of the same here would be a huge surprise.
A bonus-point win in Lyon will be enough for New Zealand to reach the knockout stages, with a last-eight clash with Ireland currently the most likely outcome. Captain Sam Cane starts for the first time this tournament, while Sam Whitelock will break the record for most World Cup appearances.
Uruguay have impressed in their three matches so far, beating Namibia and giving a second-string French side a scare. Keeping this competitive would prove an achievement for the South Americans, who have already bettered their efforts from the last two World Cups by not finishing bottom of the pool. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage below!
Live updates
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
18 mins: Surely this time, as Roigard gets the All Blacks to within three metres of the try-line.
It will be a penalty for New Zealand – they’ve opted for the scrum on the 5m line. Right under the posts, perfect position.
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
17 mins: New Zealand have the opening try, at last… or maybe not?
McKenzie strolls over for the All Blacks, but the TMO is speaking to Wayne Barnes again. We’re going to have another review.
No try again! Mo’unga with the neck grab this time, Uruguay again let off the hook.
16 mins: This is a remarkable effort from Uruguay so far – how long can they keep it up for? Relentless pace to the game, no structure at all. A lot of fun.
Uruguay could very easily be in front after 15 minutes, we weren’t expecting to say that!
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
13 mins: INCHES AWAY!
Nearly lift-off in Lyon, as Uruguay think they have gone over in the corner.
Ardao it is, as Uruguay work the numbers… but his trailing boot is in touch as he goes over. Devastating. TMO has ruined the party.
All came from a glorious break from Mieres, who nearly went all the way himself.
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
11 mins: Jacobson eventually brought down, but he’s got the All Blacks up towards the 22.
Loose pass though, and they’re forced to back-peddle towards the halfway line. Bit of a loose display this so far from New Zealand.
And now they’ve lost the ball forwards, Uruguay have it back.
NO TRY! New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
It is indeed a knock-on!
Roigard spills it as he dives over, didn’t have control as he touches the ball down. Uruguay survive.
Lomox is off for the All Blacks, Newall on to replace him.
TRY! New Zealand 5-0 Uruguay
8 mins: Trouble here for Uruguay, the All Blacks have numbers wide and it comes to Faingaanuku, who bundles his way through the tackles… just brought down before the line.
Only delaying the inevitable though, Roigard seeing the space and diving over out wide.
TMO having a look at a possible knock-on though…
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
6 mins: Another turnover in the New Zealand 22, the All Blacks look to run it from deep.
They’re doing just that, Jordan skips all the way into the Uruguay 22, has to take the contact though with none of his team-mates able to keep up with him.
But the TMO gets involved, penalty Uruguay. Neck grab from Jacobson and the All Blacks’ momentum goes.
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
4 mins: Lomax having his right knee strapped, not an ideal opeing few minutes for him.
Clock is paused, with Uruguay waiting to have the put-in at the scrum. They’ll be very satisfied with how it’s gone so far.
Just the 76 minutes to go…
New Zealand 0-0 Uruguay
2 mins: Well this is a nice start for Uruguay.
Claim the lineout and work the phases, into double figures as they edge their way into the New Zealand 22. Great line from Inciarte, he spills it in the tackle though and the All Blacks boot the ball up the pitch.
