A week before the start of the World Cup and the inaugural shock against the Blacks, Antoine Dupont wants to be confident, considering that the Blues had never had so many assets before approaching a World Cup.
The last straight line before the start of the World Cup is launched. The XV of France will indeed kick off its World Cup in a week and the Blues, after solid preparation, are fine-tuning the final adjustments before facing New Zealand in the opening match. And despite the heavy defeat suffered by the Blacks for their last preparation match against South Africa, the challenge promises to be daunting for the Blues.
“They certainly lost this match but they had won eleven in a row just before, so I’m not worried about them, they will be there. They know this competition, they are the ones who have won it the most times; they are always present in the moments that matter, with the experienced and quality players they have”has also warned Antoine Dupont in the columns of Sud-Ouest, taking care to add: “An opener at home, obviously you have to win it. »
But the captain of the Blues obviously sees further and does not intend to see the adventure of the XV of France stop in the quarter-finals as in 2015 and 2019. And the men of Fabien Galthié have arguments to make. “I think we have never been so well prepared, given the four years we have had, with 80% victories, the Tournament in 2022, a promising generation, talented players, who have acquired experience, with continuity in the backbone of the team, which had not been the case over the past ten years, he reminded. So the lights are green. In addition, we are lucky to host the competition, we hope to have the support of the public. Even if it’s still sport, and the matches, you have to play them and win them. »
