XV of France. Why does Antoine Dupont's match divide supporters and the media so much?

The XV of France closed its autumn tour with a victory against Argentina (37-23). If several Tricolores shone, many eyes converged on Antoine Dupont, captain and playing master of the Blues. However, while the collective shone, opinions differ on the performance of the essential scrum half. Some supporters and media did not hesitate to describe this match as one of the least successful of his career with the Blues. So, did Dupont really disappoint against the Pumas?

Antoine Dupont still eagerly awaited

As for RugbyPass, Antoine Dupont's performance has lost none of its splendor. The British site gives it a 8/10saluting his constant desire to energize the game, even if it means running.forward, sideways or even backwards“to find spaces. Their verdict is unequivocal: the captain of the Blues delivered a performance”high level” et once again set an exampleparticularly in his incessant activity around the rucks and his leadership. An analysis which contrasts sharply with those of several French media.

In France, the tone is very different. Eurosport, with a 5,5/10was not kind. The media points out a poorly controlled initial risk-taking and several mistakes, in particular a forward on a strong beat in the second period. Dupont was also challenged near the rucks, losing several balls in contact. However, Eurosport recognizes a well-felt inside pass and a judicious kick for Thomas Ramos, proof that he was not completely lacking in inspiration.

Rugbyrama, for its part, awards a 6/10. The media notes that Dupont, true to his style, wanted to take initiatives, sometimes at the cost of greed. Despite everything, his ability to beat defenders (three in total) and to liven up the game remains highlighted. Special mention for his opening switch after the hour mark, once again demonstrating his versatility.

A mixed copy but not bad

Between these two visions, Le Parisien adopts an intermediate position with a rating of 6,5/10. If Antoine Dupont sometimes seemed in difficulty behind a pack mishandled in the rucks, he knew how to exploit the numerical superiority at the start of the match, notably on Thibaud Flament's try. His energetic defense and his bright passes, even in a complicated context, are also highlighted. The daily newspaper recognizes, however, that the captain did not escape some bad choices and unusual turnovers.

So, did Antoine Dupont miss his match against the Pumas? It all depends on the prism through which we observe his performance. If RugbyPass sees him as an imperturbable and inspired leader, the French media are more critical, emphasizing unusual errors for a player of his caliber. These differences also reflect immense expectations surrounding a player often described as the best scrum half in the world. Every mistake, no matter how rare, is amplified.

A context not to be forgotten

However, we must put this performance in context. Antoine Dupont played behind a pack that was sometimes struggling in the ground game, which did not make his distribution work any easier. In addition, the rotations during the match, in particular his passage at the opening, testify to the multiple responsibilities incumbent upon him within the Blues. This also shows that, even below its usual standards, he remains a key player for his team.

What do the supporters think?

Antoine Dupont may not have had his best match against Argentina, but talking about a “bad match” seems exaggerated. Criticisms, although sometimes justified, above all remind us of the immense demands that weigh on the shoulders of the captain. And if supporters always expect more from him, it is also proof of his unique status in world rugby. One thing is certain: whether he disappoints or impresses, Antoine Dupont leaves no one indifferent.