“A privilege to be able to play this opening match of the World Cup against the host country” savors Sam Cane

France XV star Antoine Dupont will be watched closely by the All Blacks on Friday at the opening of the Rugby World Cup, New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith announced at a press conference on Wednesday.

“Defensively, our game is a lot about Dupont, what he can do and how to stop him.“, recognized Smith, 34 years old and one of the references of the decade at the post of N.9.

“But it’s not only my personal role but that of the whole collective“, explained the direct opponent of Dupont. “Not to mention that they have a lot of very dangerous players all over the pitch.»

“He is an incredible athlete and an exceptional player. He has proven this in recent years by receiving awards“, again praised Smith, laudator towards the French, named best player in the world in 2021. “Every team he faced had a plan against him. We have ours and we will run it“, he warned.

Despite the historic slap received against South Africa (35-7) in their last warm-up match, Ian Foster’s men, like his captain Sam Cane, all said to themselves “impatientof this first match.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play this opening game of the World Cup against the host country, which is undoubtedly considered the favorite, judge the third line. It’s really going to be a special moment. I can’t think of a better way to start our World Cup. With a bit of luck, there will be magical moments.»