At a press conference this Friday, on the eve of challenging the New Zealand ogre at the Stade de France (9:10 p.m.), captain Antoine Dupont reassured about his state of form and spoke of the Blues’ ambitions for this clash.
Fans of the XV of France can take a deep breath. Slightly ill on Monday and spared on Tuesday, Antoine Dupont will be there this Saturday for the clash against the All Blacks (9:10 p.m.), at the Stade de France. “I feel very good, I was a little bit ill this weekend but nothing bad. I was able to come back and train fully on Wednesday to prepare for this match as best as possible. I feel very good,” said assured the French captain this Friday at a press conference.
In search of a third consecutive success against the New Zealanders currently in full swing, Fabien Galthié’s Blues will be able to gauge their real level, a week after their almost too easy success against Japan (52-12). Once again relentless in the fight and formidable in their efficiency on their attacking balls, the All Blacks have just completed two victories acquired with authority in England (24-22) and Ireland (23-13). Enough to send a strong signal to the competition.
“A legendary team”
“It’s always an important match, the one in 2021 (French victory 40-25, editor’s note) was obviously foundational for the rest of our history. It’s an opportunity to measure ourselves against what’s best in the world. international rugby. They have regained their rugby and certainly their best level. They arrive with full confidence,” said Dupont. If there is no question of the triple world champions (1987, 2011, 2015) being more self-conscious than that, the fight promises to be immense in Saint-Denis.
“It’s a legendary team, which has made generations dream, with rugby that is close to everything we love in France. It’s a very beautiful poster. The context is different from 2021. It remains legendary to playing this wonderful team, always a special match, especially at the moment Their dynamic is super positive, it’s up to us to respond to win the match and gain confidence”, insisted Dupont, also ready to cover the position of. 10 if necessary.
“It doesn’t change much, I know this position. I was able to play there at a club. I’m not worried about that.”
