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Why Antoine Dupont is 'not worried' for All Blacks ahead of Rugby World Cup

02 Sep 2023

Antoine Dupont of France during the Autumn Nations Series rugby match between France (blue jersey) and New Zealand (All Blacks, white jersey) at Stade de France on November 20, 2021 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

Despite suffering a 35-7 defeat to South Africa on the eve of the World Cup, France star Antoine Dupont is “not worried” for the All Blacks ahead of the opening clash.

France’s scrumhalf, crowned the world’s best player in 2021, has labelled the opener a “must win” for France as they look to win the first Rugby World Cup in the nation’s history.

Dupont said the All Blacks undefeated streak before the loss to South Africa was still valid and they will bring plenty of experience with former World Cup winners in the squad.

“This match is obviously extremely important, to get us started in the competition and to ensure that people follow our team and want to support them throughout the World Cup,” Dupont told AFP.

“You obviously have to win a home opener.

“They may have lost this match [against South Africa], but they had won 11 in a row just before, so I’m not worried for them.

“They know this competition, they’ve won it the most times, and they’re always there when it counts, with plenty of quality and experience.”

As the host nation, expectations have arguably never been higher for France after a highly successful four years since their quarter-final defeat to Wales in Japan.

The strength of domestic clubs Toulouse and La Rochelle, both European champions since the last World Cup, have powered France to a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and a 14-game winning streak.

This year’s Six Nations winners Ireland were the side to end France’s winning run in February.

Dupont believes the nation has never been in a better position to deliver the ultimate trophy after three previous final appearances.

“We’ve never been so well prepared,” said Dupont.

“We have won 80 percent of our matches, the Six Nations in 2022. We have a promising generation of talented players who have gained experience and continuity in the backbone of the team.

“That hasn’t been the case over the last 10 years.

“So, all systems are go. What’s more, we’re lucky enough to be hosting the competition, so we’re hoping for public support.

“In spite of that, it’s still sport and the matches have to be played and won.”

Comments

7 Comments

Jason 619 days ago

France need to win this, for their supporters. I'm a Kiwi, but I'm backing the French to get the job done.

B.J. Spratt 621 days ago

France has the best player in the world Antoine Du Pont. He is also captain and the best Half back in the world.

He can kick, he can pass, he can run and he can be another loose forward.

We had Carter and McCaw when we won in 2015 and the time before that we had McCaw in 2011.

I believe France have to WIN against the All Blacks this weekend if they are to WIN the World Cup.

Really they will have no better opportunity.

A mentally shattered All Blacks on home soil. The All Blacks showed the World every which way to beat them.

If a team like France can't capitalize from that "intel" and design a Game Plan, which is accurate, yet flexible I would be very., very suprised.

France will have to "make sure their discipline" is 100% and don't fall into the same trap as the All Blacks did against South Africa.

I am sure Du Pont will set this World Cup alight in a blistering display of brilliance and leadership, showing us why he is the best player in the world.

Lyall 621 days ago

I agree with you

We have the side to beat France… thou

We have to keep our cool

Stay discipline

Im confident we will win

Clyde Adonis 622 days ago

France lost to Scotland 2 weeks back

Def Kiwi 621 days ago

Yes you are right. I misread

Def Kiwi 622 days ago

14 game winning streak means they will get to 21 if they win the RWC and don’t drop pool game. Has not been done by tier one teams. If they win, well deserved

metal ghost 621 days ago

This year’s Six Nations winners Ireland were the side to end France’s winning run in February.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 5 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 5 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 5 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 5 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 5 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍