Antoine Dupont inflicts the England treatment on the Bulls
Just a matter of weeks ago Antoine Dupont was putting on a rugby masterclass in front of 82,000 people at Twickenham against England.
Every time the France scrum-half touched the ball something happened, with his kicking game particularly on point. If there was space to be found, the former World Rugby player of the year found it.
What helps Dupont is that so many of his teammates are on the same wavelength. With over the half the France starting XV often coming from Toulouse, the partnerships pay off as they can take their club form onto the international stage. This was shown in the Heineken Champions Cup on Sunday, as the five time European champions breezed past the Bulls 33-9 at home.
One try scored by Toulouse had a striking resemblance to one scored at Twickenham just a few weeks before. Both tries were scored by lock Thibaud Flament, and both came from Dupont’s boot, who spotted space behind the defensive line. Once again, Flament and Romain Ntamack led the charge after Dupont’s kick, as the trio seem to be in sync.
Take a look at Flament’s try against the Bulls:
QI Rugby +++ en #ChampionsCup🧠🏉
Il vous dit quelque chose le trio @Dupont9A, @RomainNtamack, @Thibaud_Flament sur une action ? ❤️🖤🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/AgpqIDl4or
— Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) April 2, 2023
Take a look at Flament’s try against England:
Flament at the double! 🇫🇷
France extend their lead at Twickenham.#ITVRugby | #GuinessSixNations pic.twitter.com/6FbBQbJpQ3
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) March 11, 2023
Dupont entered this match fresh from being named the Six Nations player of the Championship, and brought that kind of form to the Stadium de Toulouse, as he had already set up a try for winger Matthis Lebel earlier in the half. Flament appears to be in as rich a vein of form currently as well, as the lock was also on the shortlist for player of the Six Nations.
Next up for the French giants are the Sharks on Saturday at the Stade Ernest Wallon, who beat Munster 50-35 in their round of 16 encounter. The winner of that match with play either La Rochelle or Saracens.
