One of the famous encouraging defeats, a significant setback (18-38). Nevertheless, this one had a flash of genius which crossed it, named Antoine Dupont. On November 11, 2017, the scrum half started with the XV of France for the first time in his career. Against the All Blacks, he left his mark.
VIDEO. TOP 14. Stade Toulousain. Antoine Dupont's strong decision regarding his future
While he was about to celebrate his 21st birthday a few days later, the Toulouse native was only making his fourth selection. The stress of starting out as a starterespecially against the All Blacks, but above all a winning mentality already visible. “If I am happy to have had my first tenure, I am disappointed to have lost”, he confided to The Team after the meeting.
However, Antoine Dupont held his own against Beauden Barrett's gang. Particularly stirring, he notably signed a magnificent breakthrough in the 46th minute of playwhich will lead to the Blues' second try a few seconds later. An action that he blames himself for not having concluded, full of demands.
Beauden Barrett praises the XV of France and Antoine Dupont between ''freedom and flamboyance''
After the meeting, the French press raved about the Toulouse player's performance. Cleverly, Vosges Morning title “Antoine Dupont, the spark in the dark night”. On the other side of the globe, the feeling was similar. In New Zealand, the country of Rugby, a media ovation was felt in favor of the player.
New Zealand fan of Dupont
Before the match, Beauden Barrett described the young number 9 as “exciting player”. After the latter, the mythical New Zealand Herald stated in his report that “France has regained a little dignity, under the leadership of scrum half Antoine Dupont, who, for his first start, suggested that he was the best player on the field ahead of Barrett”, voted World Rugby Best Player in the World in 2016 and 2017.
In his post-match assessments, the New Zealand newspaper slipped a 9/10best score of the meeting, at the minot. In addition, the appreciation had a divinatory air: “The 20-year-old was by far the best player on the pitch, especially in the second half. His runs gave the All Blacks a hard time. He seems to have a great future.”
This Saturday, November 16, Antoine Dupont will be the captain of the XV of Franceto challenge the All Blacks. At the Stade de France, he will try to equal a record that would set his generation in stone, that of the Blues who managed to string together three consecutive successes against the best team in history. Seven years later, the balance of power has evolved. The status of Dupont too.
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