The Blues captain expressed his feelings after the France XV‘s victory over New Zealand on Saturday evening at the Stade de France.
Antoine Dupont (Captain of the Blues, later the 30-29 victory over New Zealand ) : “Winning against a great team like that is always nice and this success is fundamental for the group. The shared experience helped us not to panic after the first period in which we were dominated in the clashes. Playing for the All-Blacks is always a great honor and a huge pleasure, you have to enjoy moments like that.”. (on TF1)
In a press conference, the scrum-half elaborated on the analysis. “Winning like this gives a lot of joy in the end. This feeling, when we have to hold our own line, of being able to count on each other, is exhilarating. It’s a very strong feeling that we all shared at the final whistle. (…) At an international level you have to know how to win in every way. What we were able to do. Deprived of the ball, we had an excellent defense and managed to score from turnovers, in the few opportunities we had. It’s important to win like this. We often see the mood of a team on defense, in all their off-ball efforts. And it was perhaps the match in which we defended the most. And we had this state of mind of not giving up anything for each other to achieve our common goal.”
How does Antoine Dupont’s leadership influence the French national rugby team’s performance during high-pressure games?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Rugby Expert Jean Moreau
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Jean. We’re excited to discuss the recent match where the French national rugby team, led by Antoine Dupont, secured a thrilling victory against New Zealand. What are your initial thoughts on the game?
Jean Moreau: Thank you for having me. It was an outstanding match, full of intensity and skill. The final score of 30-29 really showcases the competitive nature of both teams. Antoine Dupont’s leadership played a crucial role, especially in how the team responded after a challenging first half.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, Dupont mentioned that the shared experience helped the team remain calm despite being dominated early on. How significant is that mental resilience in high-pressure situations?
Jean Moreau: Mental resilience is vital in rugby, especially against a team like New Zealand, known for their physical play and strategic prowess. Dupont’s ability to keep the team focused, rallying them during tough moments, is a testament to his leadership. It’s not just about physical skill; the psychological aspect can be the difference between winning and losing.
Time.news Editor: He also expressed a sense of honor playing against the All Blacks. What does that rivalry mean to both teams and to rugby as a whole?
Jean Moreau: The rivalry between France and New Zealand is legendary. Both teams have a rich history filled with iconic matches. For French players, facing the All Blacks is often seen as a measuring stick of their capabilities. It’s about pride, legacy, and the thrill of competing against the best in the world. Antoine’s comments reflect that deep respect, which adds to the excitement every time these teams meet.
Time.news Editor: He mentioned the exhilaration of counting on each other during critical moments. How does teamwork factor into a team’s overall success, especially in a tight match like this?
Jean Moreau: Teamwork is essential in rugby. During a tight match, players need to trust each other implicitly—on defensive stands, during scrums, and when executing plays. That sense of unity can elevate a team’s performance, as we saw with France. The players displayed outstanding camaraderie, which allowed them to withstand pressure and make crucial plays when it mattered most.
Time.news Editor: Given this victory, what implications do you think it has for France as they move forward, especially with upcoming tournaments?
Jean Moreau: This win is huge for France in terms of confidence and momentum. It can serve as a springboard into future tournaments, reinforcing their belief in themselves as a competitive force. However, they must avoid complacency. They need to build off this experience and refine their tactics moving forward if they want to continue challenging for titles.
Time.news Editor: Great insights, Jean! Lastly, what do you think fans can take away from this match?
Jean Moreau: Fans should appreciate the drama and sportsmanship present in this match. It’s a reminder of why we love sport—the unpredictability, the emotional highs and lows, and the ultimate triumph of teamwork. The camaraderie shown by the French team reinforces the idea that success is often built on relationships and shared determination, both on and off the field.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jean, for sharing your expertise today. It’s always a pleasure to delve into the nuances of rugby with someone so passionate about the sport.
Jean Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss rugby, especially after such a thrilling match.