The defending champions suffered a first-ever pool stage defeat at the World Cup in their opener against hosts France in Paris on September 8, but big wins against Namibia and Italy had them on course for the last eight.

They sealed their progression with a 73-0 victory at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, a result which ended Uruguay's very slim hopes of a top two finish to reach the quarter-finals or third place to seal an automatic place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Uruguay have earned plenty of admirers for their performances at the Rugby World Cup, and kept New Zealand at bay until midway through the first half, Damian McKenzie scoring their first try on 21 minutes which was converted by Richie Mo'unga.

New Zealand went on to secure the bonus point for four tries by half-time with Mo'unga, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard crossing the whitewash,

Mo'unga missed the kick from Roigard's try and from Fletcher Newell early in the second half, but converted Leicester Fainga'anuku try five minutes later and McKenzie's second of the match on 54 minutes.

Jordan and Fainga'anuku added their second tries of the match converted by McKenzie, before Beauden Barrett added the extras from Tamaiti Williams's effort,

Fainga'anuku sealed his hat-trick with the last try of the match, also converted by Barrett.

Hosts France are seeking a fourth win of the pool stage tomorrow in Lyon, and will top the standings if they avoid defeat.

Italy would qualify for the quarter-finals in France's place with a win, but the host nation are strong favourites.

A key clash in Paris between world number one-ranked side Ireland and Scotland in Pool B is set to decide the quarter-final opponents for the top two in Pool A.

Victory for favourites Ireland would set up a tie against New Zealand with France facing defending champions South Africa if the host nation top the pool.

Wales in Pool C and England in Pool D are already assured of quarter-final places.