Early Recognition of a Future Star

Joe El-Abd, England's defence coach, recalls the early days of Antoine Dupont's career with a sense of awe. During his tenure at Castres, El-Abd witnessed the emergence of a player destined for greatness. "We knew where he was going to go. It was spoken about in the dressing room, even in France, that there was a player coming through that there was going to be something a bit different," El-Abd remarked. The talent was evident from the start, and Dupont's relentless work ethic only accelerated his ascent.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

At 28, Dupont has already etched his name in rugby history. His performance in France's 43-0 victory over Wales, where he set up three tries, is a testament to his skill and vision. As France gears up to face England at the Allianz Stadium, Dupont's influence on the game is undeniable. England's strategy revolves around applying pressure to contain Dupont's impact. "We need to put him under as much pressure as possible so we don't see those moments tomorrow," El-Abd emphasized.

England's Strategy Against Dupont

England's wing, Tommy Freeman, acknowledges Dupont's prowess but remains undaunted. "You can't overestimate how good a player he is, but he's human. He's like everyone else – you take his legs and he goes down," Freeman stated. The key, according to Freeman, is early recognition and relentless pressure. England's attack coach, Richard Wigglesworth, also highlighted Dupont's unique ability to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. "I've never seen anyone get out of trouble as well as him," Wigglesworth noted.

The Challenge Ahead

France is on a quest for a fourth consecutive win over England in the tournament, a feat not achieved since 1978. England, on the other hand, seeks a turnaround in their recent string of narrow defeats. The clash at Twickenham promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Dupont's brilliance at the heart of France's strategy. As the teams prepare, the rugby world watches with bated breath, anticipating another masterclass from one of the sport's finest talents.