Distinguishing the Challenges of Facing New Zealand and France: Insights from Uruguay Players

 

Distinguishing the Challenges of Facing New Zealand and France: Insights from Uruguay Players

Uruguayan rugby players have expressed their admiration for the New Zealand All Blacks, considering them to be the top team globally, even more challenging to face than France. This recognition came following their resounding 73-0 defeat to New Zealand in Lyon.

Previously, Uruguay had put up a valiant effort against a second-string French team during the Rugby World Cup, losing 27-12 to the hosts. However, their match against New Zealand proved to be an even more demanding challenge, especially in the second half.

Despite New Zealand's initial loss to France in the tournament, Uruguay's center and captain, Andrés Vilaseca, asserted that the All Blacks are unequivocally the world's best team. He stated, "Yes, I think that's what we saw. We have just played against the best team in the world in our fourth game. Fatigue, both physical and mental, played a role. We did manage to play our game at times."

Vilaseca continued, "We put some pressure on New Zealand, with all that it entails. As the game progressed, New Zealand began finding spaces, making it much more challenging for us. But this is the best team in the world, and that's what sets them apart from the other teams we faced."

Regarding his team's performance, Vilaseca added, "Against New Zealand, I feel proud. It marks the end of a cycle for me. I'm uncertain if this team will qualify for the next World Cup. It gets more challenging every time. Losing is never pleasant, but we can take pride in what we achieved and the passion we ignited. We have nothing to feel ashamed of. We've had a successful World Cup."

Winger Gaston Mieres concurred with his captain's sentiments, emphasizing that it's particularly challenging to contend with the style of rugby played by the All Blacks. He said, "They employ a distinct style of rugby, and I think it's tougher to compete against New Zealand's approach. They utilize numerous options, demanding unwavering focus. When you're not entirely focused, you suffer."

Mieres continued, "We began well against France; we prepared thoroughly for that match, and today, our preparations were also sound. However, we couldn't sustain it. The intensity they brought to the game and their exceptional skills place them on a different level and at a pace we aren't accustomed to. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience to face them in a World Cup."

Reflecting on Uruguay's performance, Mieres noted, "We came close to scoring; we were inches away. We executed some excellent plays, and I believe we should take pride in our efforts. You can't relent; you must maintain intensity, and at some point, we couldn't sustain it. That was the key difference."