As Cornelius Fudge said in The Order of the Phoenix, “He’s back”.
Antoine Dupont is certainly back. I know, he made his return in the November internationals and there was an all-time classic game versus New Zealand, but the Six Nations is the real return and let me tell you why.
There’s silverware on the line and Dupont is primed to grab it.
Last year, rugby fans were resigned to the fact the Toulouse number was all in on winning an Olympic medal, the Six Nations would have to take a back seat.
A tough one to take for rugby’s premiere competition but after the disappointment of the 2023 World Cup, the Olympic games on French soil was too tantalising to turn down.
Dupont completely changed a middling France 7s team, raising the play of the entire team to secure a historic victory for France in the Stade de France.
It happened so early on in the games’ schedule that I wouldn’t blame you for having to cast your mind back, but Dupont’s journey to the top podium was an incredible journey.
Now though, the “petite general” has this year’s tournament in his sights and he leads a French team that is bursting with talent and determination.
Antoine Dupont of France. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Let’s take a look at some of the other main talking points surrounding this French team ahead of this year’s championship.
Rabah’s Return
This one is for you diehards. Rabah Slimani at 35 years of age has earned himself a recall to Fabien Galthie’s squad.
The former Stade Francais and Clermont stalwart joined Leinster this season and has played himself back into international contention.
It took Slimani a few outings to come to grips with the URC, but now he’s causing havoc for opposition loose-heads not only in the league but in the Champions Cup too.
Slimani won the last of his 57 caps at the 2019 World Cup in Japan but a series of injuries at tight-head in France combined with a resurgence in form has led the Leinsterman back to the Six Nations.
It will be very interesting to see if Slimani makes it into the matchday 23 but if not, his inner knowledge of Ireland’s Leinster contingent will be invaluable for Galthie’s coaching ticket.
Backline Opportunities
France enters the competition with one of their most in-form players missing through a rather difficult injury.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey missed Bordeaux’s most recent Champions Cup game after reporting dizziness due to an inner ear issue.
The Bordeaux winger has been in electric form for both club and country recently, however, his absence will be mitigated by his teammate’s recent record-breaking game.
France’s Damian Penaud celebrates scoring a try. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
Damian Penaud scored six tries in his side’s most recent win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks. The winger’s spot is surely locked down but there are opportunities aplenty across the backline.
Both Gael Fickou and Jonathan Danty are ruled out of the opening Test freeing up both centre slots that could have a rippling effect in their back three and halfback combinations.
Most fans assume Dupont and Romain Ntamack will resume their halfback partnership but don’t count out Toulouse superstar Thomas Ramos.
Ramos is capable of playing at No.10 and at fullback and after France tested other options at No.15 during the November internationals, which could pave the way for Ramos to spend more time in the fly-half jersey.
Galthie will have to weigh the benefit of club combinations against what he sees as his best pound-for-pound backline.
The form of France’s Top14 clubs in Europe’s Champions Cup has been electric and Les Blues look set to bring their club form to the international stage.
