We may have just understood why the staff of the French team really wanted to play Antoine Dupont against South Africa in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Completely overtaken against Ireland for the first match of the Six Nations Tournament, the French team lacked a solution, especially at 14 against 15, against a pragmatic and well-oiled team like Ireland.

Above all, this performance shows (surely) the suspicions we had about this French team: Les Bleus depend on Antoine Dupont.

Maxime Lucu was not at his level, and did not know to weigh on the meeting in Marseille.

Above all, Les Bleus missed a player capable of extraordinary actions, which perhaps masked a deeper lack.

We all remember the essay saved by Dupont on Mack Hansen during the 2023 Ireland-France in Dublin.

This kind of action, incredible, was only achievable by Antoine Dupont.

Against Andy Farrell’s men on Friday night in Marseille, France did not have this player able to save the furniture.

Worse, she had a player who disabled her for the rest of the game from half an hour of play (hello Paul Willemse).

A little nuance

Let’s be honest all the same.

The French team did not play the rugby it played against Scotland in the summer of 2023, or against Italy at the World Cup, when Antoine Dupont was not present.

The French were much more effective in their flush and pick and go game. They were fairer in their choices, and managed to set the pace.

Against Ireland, Les Bleus lacked precision in their game at the close, with players cutting themselves off support.

Perspectives

The good news of this meeting, and that France will be able to take an example from Ireland.

Even without Jonathan Sexton, the Irish made a full and complete match.

A sign that the Irish gambling system does not necessarily depend on the men present in the squad.

The French will therefore have to show imagination and innovation in their game, to renew themselves, and especially not to pray that their flagship player will not get hurt in the future, even if it means compromising future results.

Antoine Dupont’s absence is therefore a boon for Les Bleus, who will have to learn not to rest on a single man (see a Dupont-Ntamack hinge).

An evil for a good therefore.