XV of France – Argentina – Antoine Dupont: “I remind you that the Argentinians went to win in New Zealand last summer”

How did you experience this last training session in the snow?

I was more foresighted than some of my partners, I was well covered. Fortunately, the conditions announced on Friday are different. For this training, we did what we could while keeping it clean and concise.

In the last two matches, we saw you come out of a ruck with a multitude of solutions around you. Can you explain this strategy to us?

Nothing new, it's what we've been trying to work on for a while. The forwards come to offer themselves around the rucks. When I have several, it's always easier for me. We have also adapted to what we have proposed so far. With a lot of fighting on the rucks and pressure on the outside, this creates breaks on the edges. Afterwards, we have forwards who are intelligent and powerful in their races. They can showcase their qualities on dynamic balls.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey has impressed since the start of this tour. What can you tell us about him and does it change the way you play a little?

He's a boy who has surprised us since his arrival last summer in the group. He made his place until he became a starter. Even during the 6 Nations Tournament, I remember his try in Scotland which changed the match. He is a player, beyond his speed, very intelligent with technical qualities, who feels the game well, who anticipates the right moves. When you mix all that, you get a successful player. When we give him balls, we know he will be able to find the right solution, either with his feet or with his speed. We saw it even more against the All Blacks on turnover balls. He is a real asset in our team.

Are Argentina a team that could bring you down?

This is a real threat coming tomorrow (Friday). We are all aware of this. Of course, we only had six days of preparation, but it is above all what the Argentinians showed which could be a threat. Everyone is talking about the match in Ireland, but I remind you that the Argentinians went to win in New Zealand last summer, having beaten South Africa in the Rugby Championship. It's a team that puts a lot of intensity and has made progress in its offensive animation. It offers more and more play and danger. It’s up to us to respond.

What do the rotations between each match in the team composition change for you?

It's not the system that adapts to the player, it's the opposite. It's a reality. Whatever the compositions of recent years, the French team has remained efficient with the same playing identity. This is extremely important for building the future, even if we try to have maximum stability. Sometimes, we suffer the hazards of injuries or poor performances. Even on the summer tour in Argentina, with new capes, there was no difference in our game.

Is it essential to end this tour with a new success?

It's very important to win. First, because Argentina is just behind us in the world rankings. Then, winning all three matches on a tour gives you confidence for the future. And then, we play every match to win, to maintain our momentum.

You were nominated for the title of best player in the world at 7 but not at XV. What does this inspire you?

Receiving a title or a trophy is always nice. Even if we mainly chase collective trophies because they are shared with our teammates and the people who support us.

Did you speak about your partner Juan Cruz Mallia to your French teammates to warn them?

I know him well, but my partners also see his performances with Stade Toulouse. Whatever position he plays, he always performs very well. Beyond his physical, technical and rugby qualities, he above all has a knowledge of the game which allows him to always be good. We have been warned. I hope he won't be too good on Friday evening and that he will keep the energy to return to Toulouse.

Do you have time to enjoy the pre-matches organized at the Stade de France?

We try but it's not easy. The impressions experienced on the lawn are not always the same as those perceived when we then look at the images. Afterwards, entering a stadium with the lights off, the Marseillaise at Capella and this play of light on the Haka, it was incredible. It gives a real experience for the supporters. Many have spoken to us about it. We therefore try to take advantage of it without losing impulse and energy.