The star of the French XV Antoine Dupont will be closely monitored by the All Blacks on Friday at the opening of the Rugby World Cup, announced New Zealand scrum half Aaron Smith on Wednesday at a press conference
“Defensively, our game relies a lot on Dupont, what he can do and how to stop him,” admitted Smith, 34 and one of the references of the decade at the position of N.9.
“But it’s not just my personal role but that of the whole collective,” explained Dupont’s direct opponent. “Not to mention they have a lot of very dangerous players all over the pitch.”
“He is an incredible athlete and an exceptional player. He has proven it in recent years by receiving awards,” praised Smith, praising the Frenchman, named best player in the world in 2021. “Every team he faced had a plan against him. We have ours and we will execute it,” he warned.
Despite the historic slap received against South Africa (35-7) in their last warm-up match, Ian Foster’s men, like his captain Sam Cane, all said they were “impatient” with this first game.
“It is a privilege to be able to play this opening match of the World Cup against the host country, undoubtedly considered the favorite,” judges the third row. It’s really going to be a special moment. I can’t think of a better way to start our World Cup. Hopefully there will be some magical moments.”
