“The All Blacks have found their best level”, Dupont wary before the clash against New Zealand

Scrum half and captain of the French XV Antoine Dupont explained on Friday that facing the All Blacks “is always a great match”on the eve of the match against New Zealand on Saturday at the Stade de France (9:10 p.m.). “When we play the Blacks it’s always a great match”said the Stade Toulousain scrum half at a press conference on his 28th birthday. “The one of 2021 (won by France 40-25, Editor’s note) had been a founder for the rest of our history”.

“It’s a legendary team that has made generations and generations dream with fantastic players”added the captain of the Blues, who remains on two victories against New Zealand after the successes of 2021 and the 2023 World Cup. “We now know the efforts it takes to be able to win against them”Judge Dupont, for whom “the context is different” previous matches.

“We know that intensity is going to be a key to the match”

“I think they have regained their Rugby, and certainly their best level in recent years”notes Dupont after the two victories of the Blacks in England (24-22) and Ireland (23-13). “We know that intensity is going to be a key to the match”added the assistant coach of the XV of France Laurent Sempéré. “It’s a team that knows how to put its opponent under pressure, that stifles them and that is capable of creating great actions on the slightest recovery ball”.

Rugby: France-All Blacks, the time has come to reconnect with excellence

Antoine Dupont had been preserved at the start of the week, ill. “Nothing bad”assured the player, who was able “return to training completely” from Wednesday. As for the possibility of switching to openness during the meeting, he is not moved by it. “It doesn’t change much, I know this position. I was able to play it in a club. I’m not worried about that.”