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Uruguay players on difference between playing New Zealand and France
By Ian Cameron
Uruguay players have said that playing New Zealand was more difficult than France, branding the All Blacks ‘the best team in the world’ after their 73-0 loss in Lyon last night.
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Uruguay pushed a second-string France close earlier in the Rugby World Cup, ultimately losing 27-12 to the hosts, but were roundly hammered last night after putting up a brave resistance in the first half of their final pool stage game.
Despite the fact that New Zealand lost the first game of the tournament to France, centre and captain Andrés Vilaseca believes that Ian Foster’s men are the best team in the world.
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“Yes, I think that’s what we saw. We have just played against the best team in the world in our fourth game,” said Vilaseca. “Fatigue, physical and mental, played a part. At times we managed to play our game.
“We put some pressure on New Zealand, with all that that involves. As the game went on New Zealand started finding space and it made things much more difficult for us. But this is the best team in the world and that is the difference with the other teams we played against.
“Against New Zealand, I feel proud. It’s the end of a cycle for me. I don’t know if this team will qualify for the next World Cup. It gets harder every time. You never want to lose but we can be proud of what we did and the passion that we generated. We have nothing to feel guilty about. We have had a good World Cup.
“I think we had an amazing World Cup. Playing France, the host nation, Italy, Namibia – we won – and now New Zealand, playing the best team in the world. It’s about learning and trying to give our best and trying to grow the sport in Uruguay. It has been amazing.”
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Winger Gaston Mieres was in agreement with his captain, saying it was more difficult to play against the style of rugby that the All Blacks play.
“They play a different game, a different style of rugby. I think it is tougher to play the way New Zealand plays, they just use a lot of options and you have to be really, really focused and when you are not 100 per cent focused, you suffer.
“We started really well against France, we prepared that game really well and today, we also prepared well, but we couldn’t hold it.
“The intensity that they put on the game and the skills they have, they play a different level and a different pace that we are not very used to. But it was a great game to be part of. We started really well. We played the first 20 minutes with a good intensity and we put them under pressure. Then we couldn’t hold the ball and it was really tough. But really happy to face them in a World Cup.
“We could have scored, we were inches out. We did pretty good things and I think we have to be proud of what we have done.
“You cannot stop, you have to keep on playing with intensity and at some point we couldn’t hold it. That was the big difference.”
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Uruguays first 20 minutes were impressive. Stopping the All Blacks scoring and coming close themselves is something to be immensely proud of.
Sadly several people commenting on here should be ashamed of themselves.
I agree that this tournament will probably be won by the All Blacks or Ireland but do think France look good.
Let's enjoy the rugby.
There’s something about Uruguay and their sporting culture that I like. Haven't they won the football world cup? Maybe I like them because they are a small nation population wise like New Zealand (I'm a Kiwi). All the best to them.
Would have been awesome to see that try scored and maybe could have changed that outcome for a wee while. But all blacks stand on the shoulders of a heap of kiwi mum and dads who take their kids to practise, games make meals for opposing teams put out flags on fields etc etc and we have been doing this for ever. Our culture.
I don’t agree we shouldn’t play teams like Uruguay. Rugby is for all. Different shapes different sizes for all and pride is for all. Up against the best is what rugby the game is about. Japan beat South Africa Ireland finally beat the All Blacks. Rugby brings miracles and huge pride and belief. And can happen for All. Cheers
I enjoyed watching all the lower tier teams they ran the ball not constantly kicking possesion away, even under extreme pressure they wouldn’t panic kick the ball away great running rugby.
But they should definitely not play the big guns once in a while, only during World Cups on an international stage. Not good for the sport or anybody. It must surely hurt deep to lose by these margins and then say nice things during post-match interviews because that is the right thing to do.
I find it a bit cringe when people keep saying the all blacks are the best in the world, despite this patently not being the case anymore. Ireland know they've got their number as do france
maybe you should share your experience when you played the ABs toddy tell us how it really is on the pitch or maybe get one of the boys you played with to back you up ‘ fact the ABs are the most successful professional team EVER of all time a bitter pill but if you suck it slowly you will appreciate sometimes they impress the shit out of their opponent so relax and suck it up toddy
I cringe when Irish and French supporters act as though their teams deserve to be placed on the same pedastal as the All Blacks or Springboks.
Until Ireland and France actuall WIN a World Cup, they are nothing more than chokers and also rans.
Every Irish supporter believed that Ireland were going to smash the All Blacks in the 2019 RWC QF. But instead, the Irish got thrashed easily. Nothing so far has convinced me that Ireland will not choke again.
The Irish and French good performances are not long enough to push the All Blacks from the throne. I am a Saffa, and we play and have known them for ages. So here is my warning: Watch out for these men in black, they just went through a dip like everybody else. They can easily still win this World Cup.
Well done lads, you added a lot of energy and excitement in this tournament. Very much hope to see you in the next one.
these minor nations and fans are incredible. we have a lot to learn from their humility. fans are still cheering for their teams even when 70 points down. they are the color and soul of the rwc.