All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen has spoken of his admiration for France halfback and man-of-the-moment Antoine Dupont, saying: “he’s an absolute pleasure to watch”.
And what Hansen probably didn’t know as he spoke to media after an All Blacks training session in Paris overnight NZT is that Dupont, who is also his nation's captain, is set for a far bigger role within the France team as coach Fabien Galthie prepares to spring a surprise.
According to France newspaper L’Equipe, Galthie will name a six-forwards and two-backs reserves bench which will not include a back-up first-five for the Test at the Stade de France on Sunday morning NZT.
The versatile Dupont, who is one game back from a sevens sabbatical, during which he won an Olympic gold medal in Paris this year, will be expected to slot into first-five should Thomas Ramos, the likely No.10, suffer an injury.
The French media have already reported this week that Matthieu Jalibert, the other playmaker option in the injury-forced absence of the incumbent Romain Ntamack, will not be named in the match-day squad. France and the All Blacks will name their sides late tonight NZT.
After French journalists spotted Dupont training at first-five this week, centre Gael Fickou was asked about the possibility. He said: “Antoine rarely plays No.10 but he is complete, I am not worried. If that happens against the All Blacks, we will have to defend well together… but Antoine obviously has the qualities to play in all positions.”
It is that versatility and the confidence he has in his own abilities and influence which makes Dupont, 27, one of the best players in the world.
Dupont missed another training session this week due to a mild illness but is expected to be fully fit.
Hansen, a former halfback himself, said: “There’s a lot been spoken about Antoine. For me, he’s an absolute pleasure to watch. He’s out there, he loves the game and plays with great passion. His skillset, his power, he’s a phenomenal player and one I’ve watched for many years.
“As a lover of rugby myself, watching a young man playing like he does, gee, many would say he’s the greatest already.”
Asked by a French reporter how the All Blacks could limit Dupont’s influence on Sunday, Hansen replied, tongue in check: “Ask the coach not to play him.”
He added: “He’s fantastic, he’s great for the game. As I said, his love and passion for the game – you want to see him on the field. You want to see superstars, it’s what grows the game, it’s what makes young girls and boys want to play rugby.”
The All Blacks also have the potential to spring surprises in terms of selections, with the loose forwards mix in question following the withdrawal due to a head injury of Sam Cane.
Scott Robertson could name Peter Lakai in the No.7 jersey or put him on the bench and switch Ardie Savea to the openside, move Wallace Sititi from the blindside flank to No.8 and start Samipeni Finau, on the bench for the All Blacks’ last two victories over England and Ireland, in the No.6 jersey.
“We’ll miss Sam but he’s still with us and now there’s an opportunity for Peter Lakai and the rest of the group to step up and Sam will be there right with them,” Hansen said.
Right wing Mark Tele’a is also out with injury which opens up the possibility of Robertson moving fullback Will Jordan back to the No.14 jersey and starting Beauden Barrett at the back or naming Sevu Reece on the wing and selecting Barrett, back from a head injury, on the bench as seems most likely.
It is clear that after a come-from-behind victory over England and a win based on scoreboard pressure against Ireland, that the All Blacks believe they have momentum on their side.
France kicked off their new season with a victory over Japan in Paris last weekend.
“I believe we’ve grown our game, the continuity of our game,” Hansen said. “We’re a lot more confident in where we are as a group. Having the tests … that we’ve had recently have definitely helped our performances here in Europe. We go into this game with confidence.”
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