All Blacks scrum-halves ‘inspired’ to play ‘master’ Antoine Dupont
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France captain Antoine Dupont takes part in a training session ahead of the clash against New Zealand.
PHOTO: AFP
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PARIS – New Zealand defence coach Scott Hansen said on Nov 12 that the All Blacks’ inexperienced scrum-halves will be motivated to face France superstar Antoine Dupont this weekend.
The three-time Rugby World Cup winners head to Paris on Nov 16 to face a Les Bleus side captained by their No. 9 and talisman Dupont. After leading France to Olympic rugby sevens success in Paris, he returned to the national 15-a-side team in last weekend’s win over Japan, providing two assists in an influential display.
The All Blacks are likely to start Cam Roigard or Cortez Ratima, with experienced T.J. Perenara also in the squad.
“They’ll be inspired to play against, essentially, the master, on the weekend,” Hansen said.
“He’s an absolute pleasure to watch. He’s out there, he loves the game, he plays with great passion, he’s obviously a great leader. He’s a phenomenal player and one I’ve watched for many years and really enjoyed watching him.
“Many would say he’s one of the greatest already.”
Since winning Olympic gold in July, Dupont’s fame has extended to an international audience.
The Toulouse man, 27, spent his post-Games holiday in the United States, rubbing shoulders with National Basketball Association great LeBron James and Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi.
“You want to see superstars. It’s what grows the game. It’s what makes young girls and boys want to play rugby and we want to see him play,” Hansen added.
The All Blacks have recovered from a sluggish start to Scott Robertson’s time in charge to beat Japan, England and Ireland in the space of two weeks.
Hansen refused to give an assessment of their end-of-year tour, which they finish by facing Italy on Nov 23.
“We’ll talk about the tour as a whole later on,” he said.
“But we know where all our energy is going to be and that’s on the fantastic French team.”
For their trip to the Stade de France, where they lost by one point to South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, New Zealand will be without winger Mark Tele’a and flanker Sam Cane.
Cane, 32, is in his final international season before joining Suntory Sungoliath in Japan in 2025. The Test centurion is likely to be replaced in the back row by 21-year-old Peter Lakai, who is set for just his second cap.
“We know what Sam’s future looks like, but where he is currently, he’s done nothing but care, support and guide the young group,” Hansen said.
“His performances have also been outstanding. The opportunity now is for Peter Lakai and the group to step up and Sam will be there right with them.” AFP
