“respond to the threat”, Antoine Dupont looks ahead to the match against New Zealand

It was a good start for the Blues. But now the hardest part comes in this tour, with a shock against the All Blacks to prepare for in a week. The French XV remains on a victory against New Zealand, in the opening match of the World Cup. But Scott Robertson's men arrive with two victories against England and especially against Ireland.

The “physical density” of Blacks impresses

Antoine Dupont spoke at a press conference on this future adversary, and did not hide his admiration for the performances of the Blacks, who announce heavy things for the rest of the tour. The captain of the XV of France is well aware that the whole team will have to further raise its standards. A relaxation like that experienced in the second half against Japan will not be possible, for example.

We all love seeing the All Blacks play like that, as a rugby fan. We see the great actions that they are capable of doing, but it is above all the physicality, the physical density that they are capable of imposing on their opponents which has been striking these last two weekends. Beyond their individualities, that's what struck me the most and I think they will come with the same state of mind next weekend. It's up to us to raise our level to be able to respond to the coming threat.

On Fabien Galthié's side, there is a lot of impatience before this meeting. “Is this a turning point? I would rather say that it is a meeting that we are all waiting for”admits the coach. The supporters are also waiting for it, to see where the Blues really stand.