Rugby World Cup: France get off to a flying start against New Zealand in opening game
Uruguay begin their Rugby World Cup campaign with a tough opening meeting against hosts France at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille.
Although they’re heavy underdogs Esteban Meneses’ side has plenty of quality in their squad and Los Teros produced a real shock by beating Fiji in one of the games of the tournament four years ago. They’ve set their sights on a third place finish in Pool A and a shock victory over France would make that goal more achieveable.
In contrast, Fabien Galthie’s team are among the favourites for the tournament especially after producing a superb first showing against New Zealand at the Stade de France to put them in pole position to top Pool A. Galthie is resting most of his regular starters for this fixture, due to the short turnaround from that opening clash and with Uruguay unlikely to provide an 80-minute challenge.
Follow all the action from Stade Pierre Mauroy below. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here and the latest France vs Uruguay tips here:
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TRY! France 13 – 12 Uruguay 52 mins
Amaya scores on the outside for Uruguay as he spots a space and goes through it! He’s an impressive sevens player and it’s certainly showing. The conversion is good and France are now only ahead by one.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:19
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 48mins
Villiere dots down but it goes to TMO. The ball bounced off of Jelonch’s shoulder in the process as he goes to collect the high ball and they go back for the knock-on, no try.
An abundance of changes from both sides before the scrum.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:17
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 48mins
Jaminet misses a 56m penalty kick, France beginning to look frustrated.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:13
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 47 mins
A far from precise start to the first half with both sides looking scrappy at points.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:12
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 44 mins
Errors creeping in for both sides now, France the next side to be penalised for their lineout throw not being straight. They had just won a turnover before the lineout but now Uruguay are back in possession of the ball.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:09
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 40 mins
Uruguay with a firey start! Amaya breaks the line and sprints away before Uruguay are caught. France then give away a penalty at the ruck.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:06
France 13 – 5 Uruguay 40 mins
They’re back underway in Lille!
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 21:05
HALF-TIME! France 13-5 Uruguay
Here are the major highlights from the first half. Uruguay came agonisingly close to narrowing the deficit to just a point before Felipe Etcheverry’s try was disallowed.
Luke Baker14 September 2023 21:01
HALF-TIME! France 13-5 Uruguay
Uruguay gave France all they could handle in that first half. Will Les Bleus pull away after the break?
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
Luke Baker14 September 2023 20:56
HALF TIME France 13 -5 Uruguay 40 mins
Penalty to Uruguay and they kick the ball out on half time to deny France any chance of scoring before the break. France definitely looking the stronger side when it comes to set pieces but Uruguay are creating some exciting chances with ball in hand.
Imogen Ainsworth14 September 2023 20:51