Johnny Sexton tips number one World Cup rival to become greatest of all time
Ireland and Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier might technically be the World Rugby player of the year currently, but the general consensus is that France captain Antoine Dupont is actually the best player in the world.
That was certainly the view recently shared by some rugby legends at the International Rugby Experience. In a video shared by rugbyjoe on Instagram, former players were quizzed as to who the best player in the world is currently. While the likes of former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, former England World Cup winner Matt Dawson, World Cup winning Springbok Bryan Habana and former Ireland international and now referee Joy Neville all agreed that the Frenchman is the best player in the world, Ireland captain Johnny Sexton went a step further.
The Irish legend actually tipped the No9 to become the greatest player of all time. He said: “Well Josh [van der Flier] is the world player of the year, but I think Dupont, he could go on and be the best player of all time.”
That view was shared by another former Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell, who echoed the same sentiments as Sexton: “It’s a trick question because I think the best player in the world at the moment is Antoine Dupont, and I think he’s going to be the best rugby player of all time. He’s certainly the best rugby player I’ve ever seen.”
Though Ireland are currently ranked number one in the world rankings, France pose the greatest threat to them at the World Cup later this year, and probably go into the tournament as favourite given that it is in France. A World Cup triumph for Les Bleus would only help cement Dupont’s status as one of, if not the best, player of all time.
Take a look at what Sexton said:
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