New Zealand’s defence coach, Scott Hansen, believes the All Blacks’ young scrumhalves will be highly motivated to face French rugby superstar Antoine Dupont in their upcoming clash this Saturday. The All Blacks are set to play against a Les Bleus team led by Dupont, who returned to the French side in last weekend's win over Japan after a brief break following his Olympic rugby sevens success. His performance, which included two assists, has further solidified his reputation as one of the game's most influential players.
Hansen acknowledged Dupont’s exceptional skills and leadership, noting that the All Blacks' relatively inexperienced scrumhalves, such as Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima, would be inspired by the opportunity to face the French captain. “They'll be inspired to play against, essentially, the master on the weekend,” Hansen remarked. He praised Dupont’s passion for the game, his leadership qualities, and his status as one of rugby’s greatest players. Hansen has admired Dupont’s play for years, calling him a “phenomenal player” and a major draw for rugby fans worldwide.
Dupont’s fame has skyrocketed in recent months, particularly after his Olympic gold medal in July. His profile expanded further during his post-Games holiday, where he met NBA icon LeBron James and football legend Lionel Messi. Hansen expressed his admiration for such superstars, acknowledging that they play a crucial role in growing the sport, inspiring young people to take up rugby. “You want to see superstars... it's what grows the game,” Hansen said.
The All Blacks come into the match with a strong momentum, having bounced back from a slow start under new coach Scott Robertson. They secured impressive wins over Japan, England, and Ireland in the past few weeks. Despite the progress, Hansen focused solely on the upcoming match against France, describing the team as "fantastic" and highlighting the importance of their final fixture on this end-of-year tour.
New Zealand will face a challenge as they travel to Stade de France without key players like winger Mark Tele’a and flanker Sam Cane. The experienced Cane, in his final international season before moving to Japan, is expected to be replaced by 21-year-old Peter Lakai, who is set to earn just his second cap. Hansen spoke highly of Cane's leadership, emphasizing that although his future lies in Japan, Cane continues to be a guiding force for the younger players. “His performances have also been outstanding,” Hansen said, with the expectation that Lakai and the team will rise to the occasion.
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