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Kia ora, good morning and welcome to Newshub's live coverage of the Rugby World Cup pool clash between the All Blacks and Uruguay at Lyon.
Despite their near 100-point performance against Italy six days ago, New Zealand still haven't quite clinched their quarter-final spot and will need a bonus-point victory over the South Americans to feel safe, knowing the Italians can still turn Pool A on its head against France on Saturday.
Coach Ian Foster has named a team that gives some frontline players - primarily captain Sam Cane and prop Tyrel Lomax - a chance for gametime, after returning from injury. He has provided others a chance to press for spots in the first-choice gameday squad, while also resting a handful of veterans to freshen up before the knockout rounds.
Veteran lock Sam Whitelock becomes the first All Black to log 150 tests, while Ethan Blackadder makes his World Cup debut, after almost two years' absence through injury.
Uruguay are ranked 17th in the world, but gave the French a run for their money earlier in the tournament, so Foster and his men are paying them due respect.
Join us at 8am Friday for kickoff.
TAB Odds: NZ $1.001, Uruguay $41, Draw $151
Incoming head coach Robertson asked not to attend All Blacks World Cup matches
All Blacks head coach-in-waiting Scott Robertson has reportedly been barred from attending All Blacks World Cup games in France.
During a panel discussion on South Africa's Super Sport, rugby pundit and former All Black Justin Marshall has claimed Robertson was asked not to show his face at any of the team's matches.
The seven-time Super Rugby champion will replace Ian Foster as All Blacks head coach after the tournament.
Marshall says Robertson is seen as "too big a distraction" to the players, who are bidding to win New Zealand's fourth William Webb Ellis trophy.
"Can I tell you something really interesting?" Marshall told former Springboks forward Schalk Burger.
"Scott Robertson has been here in France. You would have seen him - he's been floating around.
"He's not allowed to be at All Blacks games. They feel he's too big a distraction to the current players.
"All of a sudden they might want to chat to him or might want to impress him, so Ian Foster said to him... he's not being allowed at All Blacks games."
Robertson was shown on the broadcast of a Fiji pool games, but has otherwise kept a low profile.
Burger suggests there's been "no love lost" between Robertson and predecessor Foster in a scenario out of character for the All Blacks.
"I know, we help each other," Marshall replied.
The claims are likely to reignite the precarious situation, which saw Robertson appointed to succeed Foster with the World Cup still on the horizon.
In March, NZ Rugby announced Robertson had signed a four-year deal through until the end of 2027. Foster chose not to re-apply for his role.
