It is a rivalry that has been created between supporters of South Africa and admirers of Antoine Dupont. For several years, Springbok fans have not hesitated to denigrate the sporting qualities of the Toulouse player. But then, why do South Africans hate the scrum half of the French XV?
How long has it been since we saw the major Dupont/Ntamack pivot with the XV of France?
So, former British internationals Andy Goode (England) and Jim Hamilton (Scotland) try to find an answer to this question in their podcast The Rugby Podpublished in mid-January. In their discussion, they do not seem to agree with the feeling of the South Africans.
Thus, Jim Hamilton explains that Springbok supporters are “confident” et “loyal” towards their team. For him, South Africa has won so many World Cups in recent years thatthey can't imagine that the best player in the world would be anywhere other than at home. As proof, the regular comparison between Cheslin Kolbe and Antoine Dupont in the English-speaking media fuels this debate.
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He also explains that the rugby culture is so strong in South Africa that the locals often only support their players. “South African fans are the best fans for me. They are so involved, they love their team. It is written deep in their veins and their culture. Their heritage is rugby”, he punctuates.
-Nevertheless, Andy Goode brings his vision on this subject linked to South African fans on Antoine Dupont. For his part, the former English international does much less in the lace : “I agree with part of what you said, but I must admit that a large part of South African supporters are the most arrogant rugby fans to populate this planet.”
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Furthermore, he explains that South Africans have rarely had the opportunity to see Antoine Dupont play. They can hardly realize its impact on matches. “Why would they consider him the best player in the world if they never see him play? They have to watch the Top 14 or the French XV matches for that”, he concludes.
In the past, Antoine Dupont played 5 times against the Springboks. He lost 4 of these matches, including the only international match he has ever played in the southern hemisphere, on June 17, 2017. Of all the confrontations against the Springboks, Antoine Dupont only won one test clash – match in Marseille, November 12, 2022.
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