Antoine Dupont “is the best player in the world”, assures Contepomi the Argentinian coach

Argentina, which faces France on Friday in Saint-Denis (9:10 p.m.), will have to be wary of Antoine Dupont, “the best player in the world”warned Pumas coach Felipe Contepomi and his captain Julian Montoya this Wednesday. “Without a doubt, and Julian said it, Dupont is the best player in the world, and has been for years”declared Contepomi at his team’s announcement press conference.

The former Argentinian center or fly half (87 caps), notably with Toulon and Stade Français, however warned that we should not forget the numerous “individualities” of the XV of France who could make the difference. “We know that he (Dupont) is on the opposing team, but we have to be careful not to concentrate all our attention on one player and forget the 14 others, who are also excellent players”warned Contepomi. “We are going to have a match that will be very tough”also warned hooker and captain Julian Montoya, for whom the meeting “is a big challenge, but also an opportunity to improve”.

The Pumas are on “the right path”

Besides Dupont, Montoya (31 years old, 104 caps), is wary of the French pack, “very heavy, very physical”. Argentina, which had a great Rugby Championship including a prestigious victory against the South African world champions and a success in New Zealand, is “on the right path, but there is still a lot to do”estimated Contepomi, who took the reins of the Pumas after the 2023 World Cup.

“In twelve matches, we played eight against the four best teams in the world”added Contepomi, for whom Argentina is “always a team in the development process”. Argentina, which began its tour in Europe with the biggest success in its history against Italy (50-18), narrowly failed to win in Ireland (22-19) last week, after being led 22-9 at the break.