New Zealand seal World Cup quarter-final spot with 73-0 mauling of Uruguay

Damian Mckenzie scores a try for New Zealand v Uruguay at 2023 Rugby World Cup Damian McKenzie scored two of New Zealand's 11 tries against Uruguay (Adam Davy/PA)

New Zealand eased into the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup with a 73-0 demolition of Uruguay in Lyon.

After putting nearly 100 points on Italy last week, the All Blacks had to wait 20 minutes to make the breakthrough here, Damian McKenzie crossing for the first of their 11 tries.

They had wrapped up the bonus point before half-time thanks to further tries from Richie Mo’unga, who slotted over five conversions, a stylish effort from Will Jordan and Cam Roigard.

Uruguay did not allow their heads to drop but they were powerless to stop New Zealand crossing seven times in the second half, with Leicester Fainga’anuku scoring a hat-trick.

Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams were among the scorers while McKenzie finished off a brilliant move and Jordan also claimed a second try.

It was again a landmark evening for veteran lock Sam Whitelock, who, after becoming the most capped All Black last week, celebrated a 150th Test appearance and a record 23rd at the World Cup.

New Zealand could face Ireland, the world’s top-ranked side, in the last eight in what would be a much stiffer test of their title credentials.


New Zealand v Uruguay - Match Highlights


New Zealand v Uruguay - Match Stats

New Zealand (26) 73
Try: McKenzie (20', 53'), Mo'unga (25'), Jordan (33', 65'), Roigard (38'), Newell (45'), Fainga'anuku (49', 68', 77'), Williams (73')
Conversion: Mo'unga (21', 26', 34', 50', 54'), McKenzie (66', 69'), Barrett (74', 78')

Uruguay (0) 0

Man of the match: Damian McKenzie (New Zealand)

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