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'The Irish go a little too far' - Gibson-Park impresses French, to a point
By Ian Cameron
The French rugby press has lauded Ireland scrumhalf Jamieson Gibson-Park for his standout performances in Leinster's recent Champions Cup victories over Leicester and La Rochelle - but warn against comparisons with the undisputed darling of Gallic rugby.
While acknowledging Gibson-Park's impact on the field - one writer hailing him as 'the new boss of Leinster' - they caution 'the Irish' against hyperbolic comparisons with France superstar Antoine Dupont. It's simply a step too far.
The New Zealand-born scrum-half has indeed been pivotal in driving Leinster following the retirement of Johnny Sexton, adopting a halfback role more akin to the petit general role favoured by the French.
Nonetheless, French commentators suggest that equating Gibson-Park’s contributions to those of Dupont - widely regarded as one of the world's best players in any position - might be an exaggeration. Sure, they respect Gibson-Park's abilities; however, they insist clear distinction must be made between the 32-year-old and their messianic talisman.
"The Irish are surely going a little far when they consider Jamison Gibson-Park as the equal of Antoine Dupont," wrote Midi Olympique Vincent Bissonnet. "We obviously won't follow them to the end of their thoughts... However, we won't push bad faith so far as to refuse to admit that Gibson-Park was excellent on the Aviva pitch, winning his duel against his compatriot Kerr-Barlow..."
The comparison has been made recently in the press, but it wasn't an Irishman. Retired Wales captain Sam Warburton said of Gibson Park: “If Antoine Dupont wasn’t on this planet, then we’d be saying this guy’s the best No9 in the world by a mile.”
Gibson-Park has held the upper hand over Dupont in recent duels - or at least teams he's been playing for have. Be it at Test level for Ireland against France or at club level against Toulouse for Leinster, the Great Barrier Island native has won his last four outings against Dupont.
The pair could yet meet again in a Champions Cup final, should Leinster best Northampton at Croke Park and Toulouse make it past the tricky assignment of Harlequins. It's one hell of a subplot.
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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