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All Blacks assistant coach hints Lakai will play ahead of Dupont challenge
By Ben Smith
The All Blacks have set their sights on France and their superstar captain Antoine Dupont as they prepare for a rematch in Stade de France in Paris this weekend.
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Both sides met on opening night of the Rugby World Cup at Stade de France where Dupont’s France got off to the best possible start with a 27-13 win.
Ultimately both nations were beaten by South Africa, France shocked in the quarter-finals while a 14-man All Blacks side put up a valiant effort in the final.
Last time it was legend Aaron Smith donning the No 9 jersey, now two fresh faces will line up opposite Dupont for the first time. Cortez Ratima has started each Test on the tour with Cam Roigard closing out the game from the bench.
All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen said they can’t wait to get out there and face off against the “master” Dupont.
“They’ll be inspired to play against, essentially, the master on the weekend,” Hansen told reporters on Tuesday.
“He’s an absolute pleasure to watch. He’s out there, he loves the game, he plays with great passion, he’s obviously a great leader.
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“He’s a phenomenal player and one I’ve watched for many years and really enjoyed watching him.
“Many would say he’s one of the greatest already.”
Dupont has had a dream summer, first capturing a gold medal with the sevens team at the home Olympics, before a whirlwind US tour to rub shoulders with Hollywood’s most famous stars.
Hansen was in awe of Dupont’s reach and said the bigger his star shines can only be good for the game.
“You want to see superstars,” Hansen said.
“It’s what grows the game. It’s what makes young girls and boys want to play rugby and we want to see him play.”
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The All Blacks were dealt a blow following the victory against Ireland with Sam Cane ruled out with concussion and winger Tele’a suffering a hand injury.
Rookie lock Sam Darry also suffered an MCL injury, leading to three call ups from the All Blacks XV. Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Chay Fihaki have joined the side.
Cane has quickly assumed the role of starting openside since returning to play against Argentina during the Rugby Championship.
Hansen hinted that Lakai now has the opportunity in Cane’s absence, however there is every possibility he plays from the bench with Savea moving to No 7 and Wallace Sititi moving to No 8 in a backrow re-shuffle.
“We know what Sam’s future looks like, but where he is currently, he’s done nothing but care, support and guide the young group,” Hansen said.
“His performances have also been outstanding.
“The opportunity now is for Peter Lakai and the group to step up and Sam will be there right with them.”
Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV
The kiwi lad is about get eaten more than his missus in the pen at home after the latest shearing.
A good TEAM will always have the advantage over a STAR in a side that over relies on him and thinks they don't have to perform themselves.
Surprised theres no word on DP and Blackadder, they were both mentioned for a possible rejoining in the squad for Ireland. Now nothing. Has injury scratched them or a change in heart about using who's already on tour?
Would love to see both 9's go after Dupont so they can see first hand how he handles pressure. Lakai can go after him as well. We get to see what sort of speed and guile he can bring the jersey plus Dupont has such a status that it would be no skin off the bone if Dupont made them look like the inexperienced players they are.
And you never know, they could possibly harass him into the ground and shut him down to guarantee vicotry!
Ryan said this week that Blackadder and Papalii would not be joining the team for any further tests. Neither have recovered and neither would be fit enough to play a test according to Ryan.
Finau needs to start at 6. If he cant cut in this match, then time to move on with him, but lets see now
No. Win the test vs France.
No time to experiment with a serial underachiever like Finau.
I truly hope Pete Lakai starts at 7 and Finau stays parked on the bench.
6 Sititi, 7 Lakai, and 8 Savea is an extremely athletic back row and Finau freezes when he plays test matches against teams with packs his own size.
Lakai had a very impressive Super Rugby season for the Hurricanes at 7 and why move Sititi and Savea from the positions they are both playing very well to have them do different roles?
I agree with Sititi 6 Lakai 7 Savea 8 will be a big headache for France with those 3 workers
DuPont has won how many international titles in XVs rugby? Very very few.
Yes he is a champion club player but no RWC championships and only one Six Nations title in a career that is approaching a decade long.
So the france national team is no longer called 'Les Bleus' just 'Dupont" ?
Only for their home games. Dupont doesnt travel overseas for EOYTs etc. Averages 7.5 tests a year.
Course he'll play, he's 4th in the depth chart now with all the injuries.
6) Samipeni
7) Lakai
8) Wallace
20) Ardie
Bring the experience and leg drive on for the last 20-30 minutes.
We have got to start trusting these young fullas.
You lost all credibility starting Finau ahead of Savea. That’s just ridiculous.
Did OllieMathis even get signed to a Super Rugby contract?
Why wouldnt you start our best and most experienced backrower?
You can’t be serious benching Ardie in any match
Especially more so after losing Cane
If you could only choose one of Carter or Dupont in a team. It would be dan carter 100% of the time.
Only if you haven't spent any time watching 6 Nations, Top 14, or Champions Cup.
What if I said I wanted to go with a Dupont and Carlos combination?
Different positions