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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
I really like what the boks have done with bringing Vermeulen into their coaching setup. Perhaps they would have gone to france anyway, but Lawes and Farrell could at least have been offered assistant coaching roles. Lawes could probably aptly fill the brief (breakdown, contact skills, and handling) just given to Strawbridge; and Farrell could be a pretty good like for like replacement for Sinfield when he leaves. I probably wouldn’t want them in the national team set up just yet, but it would be good to see strings pulled to either get May, Youngs, Cole, & Care player-coaching roles in the premiership, or to move them into the under 20s coaching staff.
Go to commentsSo spiteful that the Springboks won again, they just had to change the laws so that they would stand a chance.
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