New Zealand head coach Ian Foster warned his players to be on their guard as he laid bare the challenge of Uruguay ahead of their final game of the group stages at the 2023 rugby union World Cup.
“We are playing against a team that basically had the same scoreline against France as we did,” said Foster. “And that’s in the last month.”
France beat New Zealand 27-13 on the opening night of the competition on 8 September at the Stade de France.
The French followed that up with a rugged 27-12 victory over Uruguay on 14 September in Lille.
At one point in the second-half, Uruguay drew to within one point of France before two late tries gave Fabien Galthié’s team the win.
“I am not trying to talk Uruguay up falsely,” added Watson. “But they lost to France by the same scoreline we did. That deserves a lot of respect.
“I think they’re a really passionate rugby team and if we’re not in the house, then we are going to struggle. That’s a fact we’ve got to deal with.”
Foster announced nine changes to the team that started the 96-17 romp past Italy in Lyon on 29 September.
Changes
Only Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, Shannon Frizell, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan retain their places. Sam Cane will skipper the side for the first time at the tournament.
“For us, we are at our best when we are on edge,” added Foster whose side need victory to assure themselves a berth in the last eight.
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