ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Antoine Dupont reminds France of what they're missing with dominant Top 14 performance

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Tuesday Feb 6, 2024

The term generational star is reserved for those so special in their chosen field that they transcend the set norms previously associated with their area of expertise.

ADVERTISEMENT

In rugby there have been a handful of these operators over the years, exactly who makes that list rages as one of the hottest topics amongst rugby fans and pundits alike.

Few would dispute, however, that France and Toulouse superstar Antoine Dupont, if not already considered a generational talent, will almost certainly end his career as one of the very best players of all time.

Following the company line of ‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone’, French Rugby was offered a stark reminder of just how much Dupont makes to their routinely dubbed ‘golden generation’.

Unavailable due to his decision to chase an Olympic gold medal at the upcoming summer games in Paris with the French 7s team, the scrumhalf was absent from Les Blues opening 2024 Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland.

To put it lightly, things did not go well for Fabien Galthie’s side as they suffered a 38 – 17 loss to Andy Farrell’s side.

In defence of France, Ireland have lost just one match in their last 18, outside of a brutally close loss to New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite this fact, Les Bleus are no slouches themselves and were humiliated by the defeat.

Clearly still suffering from their own Rugby World Cup quarterfinal exit, Galthie’s side appeared to be playing at half-speed as the Irish tore them to shreds in every facet of the game.

This performance, coupled with the quarterfinal exit and a general feeling of discontent amongst the French rugby public, has Galthie under a mountain of pressure ahead of their round two trip to Edinburgh to face a red-hot Scotland team.

Whilst his national team were struggling in Marseille, Dupont was back home in Toulouse guiding his club side to a 46 – 26 win over Bayonne to jump up to joint first on the Top 14 table.

ADVERTISEMENT

Playing at flyhalf instead of his customary scrumhalf position, Dupont was mesmeric as he proved to be at his unplayable best with several moments of magic.

Starting with a long-range break, followed by a sublime offload and completed with a crossfield kick that led to a try, Dupont once again highlighted just what France are missing as well as what Toulouse will miss for the remainder of the season.

Related Articles

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 119 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Should Steve Borthwick have brought on George Ford? Or trusted in Marcus Smith?

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

View All