The interesting week at the Rugby World Cup in France gets underway in Lyon on Thursday night when the All Blacks face Uruguay in Pool A.

The three-time champions will need a win against the Los Teros in order to make it through to the quarter-finals. That should be enough for them to advance, however, an unlikely win for the Azzurri of Italy can throw the spanner in the works.

The All Blacks name nine changes for the game and it sees Sam Cane in the starting XV for the first time at the World Cup.

Meanwhile, in the French camp, the captain Antoine Dupont, will consult as surgeon regarding his facial injury, and if he gives the green-light the two-time World Player of the Year can return to the field in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, the Boks are enjoying their bye week and they will begin preparing a possible for a quarter-final in a few days.

The Boks 49-18 win against Tonga was a brutal and physical affair and the time off was much needed, especially if they are to face the French or All Blacks next.

Duane Vermeulen - Johan Orton

The Boks loose-forward, Duane Vermeulen, said as a team they needed the physical battle against Tonga.

“It was definitely physical. It was definitely tough for us but we got to give it to the Tongans. They definitely brought it to us, it's fantastic. We actually needed this I think, to prep our heads and minds.

“It's out of our hands. We have got to prep for whoever we play and if we don't play that is how the game goes. We played the game tonight out there and we tried our best. We have just got to wait and see what happens next.”

One of the major positives coming out of the game against Tonga was the eagerly anticipated return of the flyhalf, Handre Pollard, who played in his first Test in more than 13 months.

Pollard looked like he had not just returned from a long-term injury and importantly his presence seemed to spark something in Manie Libbok’s game.

Handre Pollard - Getty

Pollard certainly proved that he will be a valuable asset for the knockout stage and he just want to play his part in trying to ensure a title defence.

“I enjoyed it very much, it was so much fun. Just on a personal note it was nice to play again and I enjoyed myself out there.

“It has been a crazy rollercoaster. There have been extreme lows, of course, early on and extreme highs to get recalled so really just great to be back in the environment with the boys. Hopefully contribute as much as I can in whatever role that may be, I am just here to help the team succeed and I am excited.”

Saturday night’s big Test between Ireland and Scotland at Stade de France will determine the Springboks' fate at the World Cup. While there are many permutations, the safest scenario the Boks will hope for is a win by the Irish.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport