ABs will have to ‘buck up their ideas’
Charles Richardson of the Telegraph
“No matter who New Zealand face in next weekend’s quarter-finals – with qualification now assured after this 11-try demolition of Uruguay – the All Blacks will have to buck up their ideas.
“One of Ireland, South Africa and Scotland await in the last eight in Paris and, although New Zealand’s starting XV will feature a raft of changes – there were nine in Lyon yesterday from the Italy thrashing – this is a squad with ambitions and the class to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. On an individual level, it was tough to criticise but, as a team, the harmonies were not quite in tune, as proven by a scoreless opening 20 minutes.
“New Zealand could still progress as Pool A winners should Italy pull off a miracle against France today, but that is immaterial. The world champions or the No 1-ranked side await in Paris. A sterner test should sharpen All Black minds – it will have to.”
Harry Latham Coyle of the Independent
“Pretty much as expected in Lyon with Uruguay gamely clinging on through the first quarter but cut open thereafter in another reminder of the depth of attacking talent at the All Blacks’ disposal. Damian McKenzie was excellent, Will Jordan too, and it’s just impossible to stop New Zealand in that sort of rhythm.
“Uruguay depart this World Cup with their reputation undoubtedly enhanced – but you would have to say that they looked a little leggy come the final 20 minutes.’’
Nick Evans of the Guardian
“Under the radar, or undetectable? Perhaps the latter is more appropriate given New Zealand’s stealthbomber colour scheme and the haka’s flying V formation. The main thing is that the All Blacks have qualified for the quarter-finals – and no one will fancy playing them as they search for a fourth title. The crushing pretournament defeat by the Springboks and an opening-night loss against France have been consigned to history and Ian Foster’s side are now destined to meet one of Ireland, South Africa or Scotland in the last eight.”
Finn Morton, Rugbypass
“New Zealand fans in attendance at OL Stadium gradually fell silent during a frustrating opening quarter of the test, with the All Blacks struggling against a valiant Uruguayan outfit.
“The All Blacks made a series of careless mistakes as they continued to search for the opening try of the contest.
Meanwhile, Uruguay risked breaking the game open a couple of times.
“But New Zealand found their groove just before the 20-minute mark and didn’t look back. With Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie spearheading the All Blacks’ attack, the favourites ran away with a decisive 73-point win in Lyon.”
“While the All Blacks’ slow start is certainly a talking point, the scoreboard doesn’t reflect any woes.”
Colin Newboult, Planet Rugby
“It was the last chance for that New Zealand 23 to stake their claim for a place in the side for the quarter-finals. For some, such as Shannon Frizell, it was merely another game after injury to get himself ready for that big match, and he will almost certainly line up at blindside flanker.
“For others, though, they were very much playing for places, and individuals such as [Damian] McKenzie, as well as his back three partner Leicester Fainga’anuku, did themselves no harm at all.
“While Fainga’anuku didn’t quite grab the headlines from McKenzie, there were aspects of his game which makes you think he would be a huge asset in a knockout clash. We are not just talking about his hat-trick, as good as it was, but his physicality at close quarters on both sides of the ball. Against the better teams, that can be vital.”