Lyon will host the New Zealand vs Uruguay game, the final Pool A match for each. They will meet on the 5th of October in what should still be a fascinating contest. The teams will likely head in different directions after this – New Zealand into the quarter-final and Uruguay on the plane home.
It will still hold plenty of appeal to rugby fans as a betting medium. Find out where to bet on the game, a prediction and the players who can make an impact. So, let’s pick apart the two teams.
Where can you find the best odds for this match?
If you are watching the New Zealand vs Uruguay game, you might want to have a bet. If so, 10bet is a great place to look for the odds on this Lyon clash.
For those who are looking for a big name for their bets, then Betway and William Hill are ideal. Both are known to all and produce a wide range of markets to suit all punters.
Pinnacle is always a good call for those who are sharp punters. For those who like to give their business to a newer company, then Stake.com is suggested. A company still in its infancy, they will be looking to gain a market hold.
New Zealand in the Spotlight
The All Blacks team is looking to add to an already impressive legacy. They have a nice mix of youth and experience in the squad, with the younger players looking to step up. They lost six of eight as a team from November 2021 to August 2022.
That is very unlike the All Blacks, the team put under the microscope since. It makes the 2023 World Cup winners market look wide open, with the All Blacks second favourite. Although they have not been at their best in recent years, they are dangerous to underestimate.
One young player to watch is Emoni Narawa. A speedy wing, his ability to make defenders miss is top-notch. It will be interesting to see if he gets much playing time as Pool A continues.
Uruguay in the Spotlight
This will be a fifth trip to the Rugby World Cup for Uruguay. They have won three of their 15 RWC matches, victories over Spain, Georgia and Fiji. In 2019, they held their own in the first halves but capitulated to stronger teams later in games. For instance, they were only behind Wales 7-6 at half-time but lost 35-13 in their final group game.
It’s fair to say that this New Zealand vs Uruguay game will demand plenty of their defence again. This will mark the first time they have taken on the All Blacks. Beaten by a New Zealand XV in Montevideo in 1976, this will be their first proper matchup.
Captained by Andrés Vilaseca, who is at his third World Cup. With 70 caps for his country already under his belt, he will feel at home as he plays for Vannes.
Player Overview
Only two All Blacks have more caps than Sam Whitelock. The veteran lock will join Pau after the World Cup. Currently, he sits five caps behind Richie McCaw for second all-time. He would hit 150 if ever present, and the All Blacks make the final.
The all-time top scorer for Uruguay is Felipe Berchesi. So far, he has notched up 45 points in a pair of World Cups. Dax is his current club, so he’s used to playing in France. He is generally an accurate kicker – the more chances his team can gain him, the better. He kicked 6/7 penalties and was a perfect 6/6 on conversions in the 2019 World Cup.
Uruguay scored six tries in the 2019 tournament – back row Manuel Diana Olaso was responsible for a pair of them. Most recently, he has been tearing up Super Rugby Americas for Penarol. A tally of 13 tries in 12 games shows a man in form. New Zealand vs Uruguay is a massive step up in class, but he is high in confidence.
Predictions for New Zealand vs Uruguay
The majority of punters will view this New Zealand vs Uruguay contest to be very one-sided. That looks fair enough on paper, with the All Blacks firm favourites to win in Lyon. The handicap market could be the way to go to level the playing field a little.
Uruguay were far from disgraced in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Their lack of class told later in games, but their work ethic and tenacity kept them in the match early. It could be the same story once more here.
Expect a cagey start in the New Zealand vs Uruguay game before the All Blacks assert their dominance. New Zealand will join the pot for the quarter-final stage, while Uruguay look forward to the 2027 World Cup.
