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'What a shame': Dupont's masterclass leaves discontent over upcoming move
By Ben Smith
A masterclass performance from France superstar Antoine Dupont has left a hollow feeling for some as the realisation he won't play in this year's Six Nations.
The Toulouse No 9 took apart Ulster in a genius performance as the French club piled on the points to race ahead 41-10 through three quarters of the match.
A clinical set-piece play by Toulouse opened proceedings after a ripper pass from Dupont to the midfield and a deft chip kick for left wing Matthis Lebel.
Dupont then offered an assist for Peato Mauvaka before scoring two himself as he clocked up 173 running metres with two line breaks.
The 27-year-old popped up everywhere, tormenting Ulster with his electric running game and vision. His offloads and support play created many chances and half-breaks for the visitors.
On a counter-attack in the backfield, Dupont was influential in setting up another try finding Lebel underneath with a switch play at the perfect time.
Quand t'as l'impression qu'ils ont mis le jeu en mode facile.
Le @StadeToulousain poursuit sa démonstration sous la conduite d'@Dupont9A ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/Bo2vbjy3JD— Investec Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) January 13, 2024
The stunning performance left some with discontent over his move to SVNS which will see him miss this year's Six Nations in preparation for the Olympics.
Dupont is expected to make his SVNS debut in Vancouver in February after attending camps in January with the national side.
France will attempt to make up for a disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign in 2023 without their star scrumhalf during the Six Nations.
Watch Dupont's masterclass against Ulster below
- Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
- Antoine Dupont…
- Il est où ?
- Partout! Il est partout!
Sous le choc, les irlandais témoignent…@Dupont9A @StadeToulousain #DupontEverywhere #InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/R9xaYUZipH— Investec Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) January 13, 2024
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Latest Comments
Trump is most definitely random.
In this context though we are talking about the tone of recent event’s on this websites articles, which came well before Trump was made a fool and retaliated. Surely you read the part were I said it’s unfortunate given that they’re trying to find new sponsorship right now?
Well year I couldn’t comment on that, haven’t watched league up their in yonks, but I’ll say the Prem sides I’ve seen in CC certainly match you’re description of them. Pro rugby here only had the summer window, so I’d imagine that helps a lot in terms of scoring though, as do South Africa’s hard grounds? The rugby is the rugby anyway, I was more interested in the broadcast quality perspective. France’s is unique right? Prem on BT used to have some pretty dour sideline analysis, but that was half due the look, being two guys standing on the side of the pitch at night in your winter talking about the game. SRP does that now but is full on ott.
Go to commentsRight. But are they actually doing anything to ever base themselves in the islands with a mostly Pi born roster?
Or are they just content to be a 6th NZ team, filling their squad with Kiwis and Aussies (and an Englishman), spreading the talent even thinner than it already is, and make excuses every season why it’s not possible to play in the islands, let alone be based there? No, because most of their squad would rather stay home than do that.
If the Drua can manage all these things, why can’t this ‘island’ side?
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