ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Dupont shares damning opinion on South African teams in Champions Cup

BY Jack Tunney  ·  Friday Dec 9, 2022

This will be the first year that South African sides will take part in the European Champions Cup, and their inclusion has divided opinions all over the park.

ADVERTISEMENT

For some they believe that the introduction of non-European sides will bring a higher level of competition and bring more excitement to the game, however others believe it takes away from what the competition is all about.

Antoine Dupont is clearly very much of the opinion that it takes away from the ‘legendary’ competition.

“For purists, it’s a bit difficult to grasp,” said Dupont. “Our whole generation has known the legendary European Cup.”

“It’s a new competition now. It’s no longer the European Cup.

“We have to approach it like that and try to see the positive by telling ourselves that we will play new teams. But it’s a bit hard to understand.

“We feel that there is an excitement, a particular flavour,” said Dupont. “Everyone wants to raise their level and the intensity of their game to be able to compete.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“The last time Toulouse travelled to a full Thomond Park, it didn’t go very well. We shipped 40 points. We know the value that the 16th man can have there and given the history that we have with them in previous European Cups, they will be ready to welcome us.”

The Stormers are the current title holders of the United Rugby Championship, the first time a South African Side has won the competition. This gives a clear indication that the European sides will have a real challenge in this top tier competition.

Related Articles

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 44 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 16 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

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

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 111 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 111 WEEKS AGO

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

  • 134 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 14 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All