This Saturday, Antoine Dupont’s teammates challenge the world vice-champions who also have the ambition to once again become the terrors of world rugby.
The sensation enveloped us in the early morning. The images were still clear when I woke up. The spectacular show, bursts of light and furious pyrotechnics, warming up the 80,000 enthusiasts. The noise at the entrance of the gladiators. The thrill of a Marseillaise sung a cappella. The hands that grip the shoulders or the fabric of the shorts to tighten themselves a little more.
To stand as one man, his gaze shining with defiance, facing the haka. Executed in a respectful Stade de France. Then the roar of a stadium finally freed from waiting. Vibrating with excitement before the first shock of aurochs, the first skipped pass, the first interval crossed with an aerial stride.
The dream had ended there, leaving us shivering. What’s next? Impossible to predict. Gala Blues who submit the magicians to the silver fern for a third time in a row? Blacks who, in the wake of their successes at Twickenham and Dublin, take their revenge on the opening match of the World Cup, a little over a year ago? In other words, an eternity.
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Since then, the XV of France has initially dragged out its punishment, only revolting during the last act of the Six Nations Tournament, in Lyon against England. And it is neither the relocation in the news pages during the tour to Argentina, nor the eight tests registered for the Japanese a week ago, which could have alleviated the regrets of the fall of 2023.
No concessions
It is therefore an understatement to say that this summit against the New Zealand vice-champions, once again living up to their legend, is heightening impatience. We will finally know if this XV of France has found the path to excellence. If the starting point of the new quest leading to the conquest of the Grail in Australia in three years is indeed this November 16, 2024. As Fabien Galthié has been affirming for a couple of weeks, finally recovered from his despair and rejuvenated by the return of Superdupont, “the superman who takes on all challenges”.
The coach has drawn a new arrow of time. Vowing, this time, not to make any concessions. Léo Barré in a mixed performance against Japan? He immediately left the team in favor of a 27-year-old novice, Romain Buros. The duration of his sidelining will depend on the Bordeaux player’s performance. That of Matthieu Jalibert will be much longer.
The players are very motivated to play against the master. For many, Antoine Dupont is one of the best in history
A member of the New Zealand staff
The proud soloist did not appreciate being deprived of black light. He made it known to Galthié, refusing his reservist status to go find his dog, 600 kilometers from the Stade de France. From his living room, he certainly skipped the press conference where the boss of the Blues cut him to pieces. Galthié « will not join his collective » that those who demonstrate « determination, mental stamina and strength of character »…
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Sititi, Roigard, Jordan… These five New Zealand gems to follow during France-All Blacks
Will this execution in public unite his group? Or, conversely, weaken its cohesion? The answer will come this Saturday (9:10 p.m.) against an opponent without qualms, him. The All Blacks are in Europe to mark their territory, to once again become the terrors of world rugby. « The players are very motivated to play against the master. For many, Antoine Dupont is one of the best in history »revealed a member of the New Zealand staff. Everything is in place to write the autumn legend.
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