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'A great challenge': Antoine Dupont eyes up scalp over Aaron Smith

19 Nov 2021

(Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

Saturday’s clash against New Zealand is an important step in France’s building process towards the 2023 World Cup, says captain Antoine Dupont.

Since coach Fabien Galthie took over after the 2019 World Cup, Les Bleus have rediscovered their touch although they have yet to win any title.

France and New Zealand have not faced each other since June 2018, and most of Dupont’s teammates have never played against the All Blacks.

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Freddie Burns joins Jim Hamilton as the pair look ahead to this weekend's mouth watering clash between England and South Africa at Twickenham.

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Will South Africa target Maro Itoje and Marcus Smith? | All Access with Freddie Bruns

“It’s true that many of my teammates will discover the All Blacks. I see this test as a great challenge, against a team that has been a reference for years,” the scrumhalf told a news conference.

“We are in the process of building. It’s an important step.”

New Zealand, who slumped to a 29-20 defeat against Ireland last weekend, have not lost to Les Bleus since 2009 and they have been unbeaten in France since 2000.

Dupont is relishing the challenge as he faces his All Blacks counterpart Aaron Smith.

“Aaron Smith is still a reference in the scrumhalf position. He has more than 100 caps, he is a world champion, he has nothing left to prove,” the 25-year-old said.

“It’s always interesting, always fun to play against this kind of player.”

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IkeaBoy 58 minutes ago

Can Samoa and Tonga ever become contenders when their top talent is skimmed?

I think you rather missed my point. My comment was on the fact that Lowe has played for them.

Rugby not a global sport either?

50 Go to comments

Flankly 1 hour ago

Jake White's Bulls raid Glasgow to gain URC revenge

A well-earned win for the Bulls. The defence was awesome, at least until they emptied the bench towards the end. And they pulled it off at the end of a tough euro tour, with a short week of prep, and on a surface that only the home team likes.

The Wessels moment was ridiculous, catching the runner, tackling them, and holding up the ball. That one will go into the highlights reel for the ages. And with Akker vd Merwe executing a perfect touch finder in the opposition 22 it looks like Jake’s front row forwards are auditioning for jobs in the back line.

Great game, and good to see the Bulls seemingly peaking at the right end of the season.

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AA 1 hour ago

'Are there 3 better fly-halves in Britain and Ireland... I don’t think so'

Are there 3 better fly half’s.

Well. Yes.

Ok ford has played very well the last 2 games and unbelieavably, actually scored a try.

Ok it was just a run in but at least for the first time in years he was actually up there with the attack. First one for 2 full seasons .

Smiths form Has dropped for now , ditto Russell , fin Smith quiet too, but don’t be fooled.

Ford only shows up when the forwards are bossing the game and he has time to show his skills. His line kicking is patchy though to say the least .

Brilliant every now and again but mostly just safety first.

The Aussies would without doubt target his poor defence and lack of bottle so give me any of the above plus Crowley the other guy .

So actually 6th .

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SadersMan 2 hours ago

Glasgow hit back at Stephen Donald's 'absolutely unfounded' comments

Yeah. A bit OTT. He’s playing well within himself & enjoying life over there. And the $$$.

34 Go to comments

CP 2 hours ago

'Are there 3 better fly-halves in Britain and Ireland... I don’t think so'

You're second so atleast one 😜

2 Go to comments

SadersMan 2 hours ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

Crowning a favourite five weeks out is madness. The Crusaders are still building. The only thing they’re favoured to do atm is to get better.

If Taha’s out, then imo Rivez should take the reins & JOC retain the bench role. Rivez’s effort at 10 was seamless, drama-free & professional. Kicks goals too. Well done.

Jordan has been great for weeks now, without scoring tries. Perhaps now all those amateur “selectors” will quit putting him back on the wing. He’s Razor’s 15. End of!

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Andrew Nichols 2 hours ago

Highlanders vs Crusaders: Jordan is Cullen-esque, another Test bolter

Was at the game…Some individual brilliance from Jordan notwithstanding, it was a dull slow game between Saders B and a willing but limited Landers side. Saders did what was necessary abd no more. The following Canes and Brumbies game had far more skill and enterprise on display

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Ed the Duck 3 hours ago

How 'misunderstood' Rassie Erasmus is rolling back the clock

Who IS the complainant here? JW, RW, MW or even all three! Either way, it still doesn’t warrant any review, far less change…

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SadersMan 3 hours ago

Glasgow hit back at Stephen Donald's 'absolutely unfounded' comments

Nah, URC is low level.

And given immense population differences, 11,000 average crowds are shite mate. Quoting outlier event games doesn’t change that.

As for intensity, re-read my comment. I was refering to the two things that RETURNING PLAYERS commonly say about NH rugby. Hence my remark that no wonder Jordie looks well rested.

In terms of television ratings, it’s a false argument. Ratings & percentages are market based. We are not competing with URC.

As for talent, the NH is littered with Kiwis, Aussies, South Africans, Fijians, Samoans, Tongans, & Argentinians. Both coaches & players. Perhaps this is why the NH has trouble winning RWCs. Not enough quality “home-grown” talent.

34 Go to comments

SadersMan 3 hours ago

‘Got to make a move’: Blues skipper keeps it honest after latest defeat

Well, I didn’t say the Chiefs & Saders will contest the final. I was having a dig at Paddy lol.

As for tonight’s game, it was hard fought & we took care of business. As Havilli or Taylor said after-match, we’re not the finished product yet.

3 Go to comments

JB 3 hours ago

Mark Tele'a's departure sends unsettling message to NZRU over wantaway All Blacks

The difference between the young and old "said that if 29-30 years of age is old” is not only the experience they have, but also the capability to lead the team in any structure plan that might fail on the field.

The most fearless giants played in winning tests, over the world was 25 - 33 years of age.

The likes of NZL Wilson, the superstar Lomo, Dan Carter ,Danie Gerber, Chester Williams, André Joubert, Morné Steyn of the boks and many more, were legends and match winners by trade !

Everything now a days is to costly to invest in players beyond 25 years of age, the superstars should be there to lead by example on the field and pass there knowledge and experience on to the upcoming new born stars , not to invest in the teams age.