France are all systems GO for All Blacks clash
France skipper Dupont has underlined the importance of their Rugby World Cup opener against the All Blacks.
France star Antoine Dupont has underlined the importance of their Rugby World Cup opener against the All Blacks.
Dupont says the French squad are raring to go but won’t be underestimating the All Blacks.
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Dupont says France are ready
The first match of the Rugby World Cup is set to be an absolute barn burner.
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France and the All Blacks have been two of the form sides over the last two seasons.
Dupont doesn’t read too much into the All Blacks big loss to the Springboks last weekend.
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“They may have lost this match, but they had won 11 in a row just before, so I’m not worried for them,” Dupont told AFP.
“They know this competition, they’ve won it the most times and they’re always there when it counts, with plenty of quality and experience.”
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The French halfback feels that in all his time with the national team they have never been this well prepared for a Rugby World Cup.
“We’ve never been so well prepared,” said Dupont.
“We have won 80 percent of our matches, the Six Nations in 2022. We have a promising generation of talented players who have gained experience and continuity in the backbone of the team.
“That hasn’t been the case over the last 10 years.
“So all systems are go. What’s more, we’re lucky enough to be hosting the competition, so we’re hoping for public support.
“In spite of that, it’s still sport and the matches have to be played and won.”
Fired up
Dupont added that the excitement in the camp was palpable ahead of the tournament opener next Friday.
“You can feel the excitement building!” said Dupont.
“We know how mentally demanding a competition like this can be, especially on home soil, with all the expectations that entails and it’s a long one, with the first match on September 8 and the Final on October 28.
“So we have to be able to stay focused… as fresh and motivated as possible to be up for the event.”