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Why Antoine Dupont is 'not worried' for All Blacks ahead of Rugby World Cup
By Ben Smith
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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.”
France need to win this, for their supporters. I'm a Kiwi, but I'm backing the French to get the job done.
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.
France lost to Scotland 2 weeks back
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