New Zealand head coach Ian Foster warned his players to be on their guard as he laid bare the challenge of Uruguay ahead of their final game of the group stages at the 2023 rugby union World Cup.
"We are playing against a team that basically had the same scoreline against France as we did," said Foster. "And that's in the last month."
France beat New Zealand 27-13 on the opening night of the competition on 8 September at the Stade de France.
The French followed that up with a rugged 27-12 victory over Uruguay on 14 September in Lille.
At one point in the second-half, Uruguay drew to within one point of France before two late tries gave Fabien Galthié's team the win.
"I am not trying to talk Uruguay up falsely," added Watson. "But they lost to France by the same scoreline we did. That deserves a lot of respect.
"I think they're a really passionate rugby team and if we're not in the house, then we are going to struggle. That's a fact we've got to deal with."
Foster announced nine changes to the team that started the 96-17 romp past Italy in Lyon on 29 September.
Changes
Only Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Codie Taylor, Shannon Frizell, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan retain their places. Sam Cane will skipper the side for the first time at the tournament.
"For us, we are at our best when we are on edge," added Foster whose side need victory to assure themselves a berth in the last eight.
"Sometimes our opponent puts us on edge, sometimes the situation puts you on edge but at all times your own internal standards have to be the edge that really matters the most."
Uruguay, who go into the encounter at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon with five points, must beat New Zealand with a try-bonus point, and by at least 80 points to have a chance of reaching the last eight.
The South Americans will also need France to defeat Italy on Friday in Lille.
Quarter-final qualification unlikley, Uruguay head coach Esteban Meneses paid tribute to his players.
"One of the goals we set for this rugby World Cup was to highlight the depth of this squad.
"It gives us the possibility to choose between different players," Meneses added. "In each position they are all very equal and they are decisions that as a coach you have to make when selecting."
Aim
The 51-year-old Argentine said there would be seven changes to the line-up that began the 36-26 win over Namibia, including the return of the veteran Rodrigo Silva at full-back.
"The team that New Zealand named is very strong," said Uruguay skipper Andres Vilesca. "Any team they were going to name was clearly going to be strong.
"The first feeling I had was that in naming their team they respect us, something they said after our game we played against France.
"I love that they put out the best team possible. For us, it is a unique opportunity and I am happy for the respect they have shown."
Following their defeat to France, New Zealand thrashed Namibia 71-3 and then pulverized Italy in a game in which many commentators had predicted an upset.
"We want to keep growing the combinations we think are working well for us," added Foster.
"We've selected the team that we think is best for this game. It's obviously a must win for us and that's our number one focus."
