France scrum-half Antoine Dupont wary of New Zealand ‘threat’
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Antoine Dupont in action during the Autumn Nations Series rugby match against Japan in Saint-Denis on Nov 9. Les Bleus won 52-12.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
PARIS – France superstar Antoine Dupont said he was cautious of New Zealand’s “threat” before the in-form All Blacks head to Paris on Nov 16.
New Zealand prepared for the trip to the Stade France, where they lost the 2023 Rugby World Cup final by a point to South Africa, by gliding past Ireland on Nov 8 for a first win in Dublin since 2016.
Six days earlier, they had edged out England 24-22 at Twickenham.
Les Bleus opened their November internationals campaign with an easy 52-12 win over Japan as scrum-half Dupont made his return to the 15-a-side set-up, following his gold medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics.
“We all love seeing the All Blacks playing like that as rugby fans,” Dupont said.
“Their physicality across the team was remarkable over the past two weekends, more so than their individualities. They’ll come with that same mentality next weekend. It’s up to us to raise our level to respond to the threat that’s coming.”
Dupont, who turns 28 on Nov 15, had last featured for his country in the longer form of the sport during last October’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by the Springboks.
Against the lacklustre Brave Blossoms, Dupont, World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2021, looked like he had never been away. The Toulouse half-back provided two assists and showed his class with a pair of delicate backdoor passes.
“He found things hard, I gave him a bit of advice,” hooker Peato Mauvaka jokingly told reporters of his club and Test teammate.
“He does a lot of good on the team with his leadership and gives us some go forward. We’re happy to have him back with us.”
Before heading to the Northern Hemisphere for their season-ending tour, the All Blacks and new coach Scott Robertson had been under pressure. They had finished second in the Rugby Championship behind a dominant South Africa.
Wins over Japan, England and in the Irish capital have quietened doubters, with flanker Wallace Sititi, No. 8 Ardie Savea and fullback Will Jordan standing out.
“They seem to be in a very good place. They followed up a win over Japan, with a win over England and a trip to Ireland, a clean win, without any blunders,” France coach Fabien Galthie said.
“The All Blacks are at the summit of their rugby. It’s in their continuity and evolution.”
Despite New Zealand’s upturn in results, they have not beaten France since 2018.
Former captain Sam Cane is an injury doubt for them, but coach Robertson is confident fullback Beauden Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor will be fit to play in Paris. AFP, REUTERS