Top Naija News: Nigerian News, Breaking News Nigeria and World News Top Naija News is a daily news publication in Nigeria, delivering the latest breaking news in Nigeria and around the world.
LYON: The All Blacks have safely qualified for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals but a patchy performance against Uruguay won’t have struck fear into the hearts of likely opponents Ireland.
New Zealand needed to win by a bonus point to confirm their passage into the final eight and they had chalked that up before half-time when halfback Cam Roigard crossed for their fourth try.
But the 73-0 scoreline papered over some deficiencies in the All Blacks game and marked a drop off from the highs of last week’s ruthless 96-17 demolition of Italy.
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. Every match ad free, live and on demand in 4K UHD
Uruguay caused inaccurate New Zealand some issues at the breakdown in particular and went close to scoring several times in the first half before shooting themselves in the foot.
To be fair, Uruguay were good enough to hold France to a 27-12 victory last month and the All Blacks backs were as enjoyable to watch as ever at OL Stadium.
The silky skills of winger Will Jordan and fullback Damian McKenzie satisfied a lively audience of 57,672 in what was the first official meeting between the nations.
READ MORE: World Cup holders ‘completely outplayed’ as NZ gets revenge
READ MORE: Addo-Carr’s Kangaroos spot in doubt over brawl video
READ MORE: Pangai Junior’s parting swipe at NRL
Jordan and McKenzie both scored doubles, with the latter moving to five-eighth in the second half to replace Richie Mo’unga.
Winger Leicester Fainga’anuku also got in on the fun with a hat-trick.
Top of the concerns for New Zealand coach Ian Foster will be the injuries to tighthead props Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell.
NEW PODCAST! Michael Atkinson and Sam Worthington preview a thrilling final round of pool games to decide the quarter-finalists at the Rugby World Cup in France
Lomax withdrew early in the first half and replacement Newell anchored a dominant scrum and grabbed a first Test try before also succumbing.
The win lifted the All Blacks (15 points) to top spot in Pool A but unbeaten France (13 points) are expected to leapfrog them against Italy in Lyon on Saturday (AEDT).
It was a memorable night for New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock, with the indefatigable lock reaching two admirable milestones.
Whitelock chalked up his 150th Test and also broke the record for most Rugby World Cup matches.
His 23rd appearance went past the mark previously shared by compatriot Richie McCaw and England’s Jason Leonard.
New Zealand 73 ( Leicester Fainga’anuku 3, Damian McKenzie 2, Will Jordan 2, Richie Mo’unga, Cam Roigard, Fletcher Newell, Tamaiti Williams tries; Mo’unga 5 conversions, McKenzie 2 conversions, Beauden Barrett 2 conversions) Uruguay 0. HT: 26-0
