Rugby World Cup: McKenzie brilliant, zero points for the Teros... the tops and flops after All Blacks-Uruguay

Tops

Substitute against the XV of France during the opening match, the RC Toulon winger has impressed since. After a try scored against Namibia, the player of Tongan origin scored three in the second half (49th, 68th, 77th) against Uruguay this evening, taking advantage of his power and his quality of speed against the spaces left by the opposing defense. There is no doubt that he has scored points in the eyes of his coach Ian Foster in view of the quarter-finals which promise to be at a completely different level. From the start of the match or to finish, the All Blacks can count on the fiery legs of Fainga'anuku.

Author of a double including the opener in the 20th minute, the Chiefs fullback delighted his supporters with a sublime gesture before the break. Following his clever kick, McKenzie offered Jordan the 3rd try on a plate with a magnificent hidden pass just before going out on the sidelines. The entire stadium was surprised by this inspiration, including the Uruguayans who could only see the damage.

240 registered in three matches, here is the very rich record of the All Blacks against Namibia, Italy and therefore Uruguay. Certainly, the level of the opposition (Ireland, South Africa or Scotland) will rise ten levels in the quarter-final. But the triple world champions deserve the credit for having reacted well following their defeat against the XV of France. With rigor, seriousness and talent, New Zealand left nothing behind, pocketing 15 points and three offensive bonuses. Which gives him peace of mind when he sits down in front of the television to watch France-Italy this Friday evening.

Flops

Despite very good intentions and 20 interesting minutes offensively, the Teros did not manage to unlock their score counter, not obtaining any penalties against the posts. At 0-0, just before the quarter of an hour of play, Ardao thought he scored the try that everyone was waiting for. A short-lived joy that will not have been followed by other thrills. As the minutes passed, the Uruguayans logically faded away and finished their World Cup with zero points. Too bad, but we will remember their desire to play and their impeccable state of mind

This is the big downside of the evening for New Zealand. Hit in the right knee, right pillar Tyrel Lomax was forced to give way to Fletcher Newell... also injured at the end of the match and replaced by Ofa Tu'ungafasi. Losing two pillars at this stage of the competition, before a big fight announced against the XV of Clover or the Springboks, would be a huge blow for Ian Foster. The next few days will reveal more about the seriousness of the problems for the two players who have around ten days to get back on their feet before (very) serious things begin.