Antoine Dupont will lead France into a home World Cup with high hopes that he can spark a first northern hemisphere victory in 20 years at the showpiece tournament.
The last – and only – team from the Six Nations to win the World Cup was England in 2003, when an extra-time drop-goal by Jonny Wilkinson sealed victory in Sydney over an Australian side coached by Eddie Jones.
Since then, the trophy has remained firmly in the south hemisphere: South Africa won in 2007 and 2019, while New Zealand triumphed in 2011 and 2015.
The time seems ripe for France, however, with Dupont key to a resurgence under coach Fabien Galthie, who has employed eye-pleasing tactics based around free-running backs and a disciplined pack.
While the loss of flyhalf Romain Ntamack to injury is a blow, France boast a deep squad with a consistency in selection often missing in previous campaigns.
“We’ve never been so well prepared,” Dupont told AFP. “We have won 80% of our matches and the Six Nations in 2022.
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“We have a promising generation of talented players who have gained experience and continuity in the backbone of the team. That hasn’t been the case over the last 10 years.
“So all systems are go. What’s more, we’re lucky enough to be hosting the competition, so we’re hoping for public support.”
All eyes will be on a dream start to the tournament when France play the three-time world champion All Blacks at the Stade de France on Friday: it is a match-up many pundits predict could go full wheel to be the final, at the same stadium, on 28 October.
A defeat for France would not spell disaster, however. New Zealand beat South Africa in the 2019 opener in Japan, but it was the Springboks who went on to beat England in the final.
“What could be better than New Zealand?” asked Galthie. “This is a team that hasn’t lost a match in the pool phase since the World Cup began. Ever. 31 wins.
“This is a team that has three World Cup titles to its name… We’re so happy to be playing them. Friday’s match is a celebration, a joy, a great joy for us. It’s wonderful.”
© Agence France-Presse
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