Nick Mallett: France’s Real Concern Is Not Dupont Playing at 10

France captain Antoine Dupont will play fly-half against South Africa at the Stade de France this Friday night.

Coach Fabien Galthié announced the selection as France faces a severe injury crisis at fly-half. The decision to move the specialist scrum-half into the fly-half role pairs him with Maxime Lucu. This creates an unconventional halfback pairing for the Nations Championship clash.

South Africa’s assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the duo’s ability to interchange positions could present a unique tactical headache. Dupont will likely have the freedom to operate across both the nine and 10 channels. He may appear at the breakdowns while Lucu acts as the first receiver.

“I have no doubt that even though Dupont will be wearing the number 10 jersey, he’s going to have a licence to do whatever he wants between those nine and 10 channels,” Stick said. He added that the pair will likely swap positions during general play.

France Faces Fly-half Shortage

Four primary fly-half options are missing: Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Antoine Hastoy, and Thomas Ramos. The injury toll has been significant. These missing players account for 41% of France’s total points scored since June 2024.

Galthié has used more than 100 players since June 2024. Now, 30 players are unavailable due to injury.

Romain Ntamack suffered a shoulder injury 32 minutes into France’s 54-17 win over Fiji last week. His injury history includes a torn calf muscle in 2024. He also suffered a ruptured left ACL and a bruised kidney in 2023. A double jaw fracture occurred in 2020.

Galthié described the pairing as two icons of French rugby brought together to provide stability and leadership during the match.

Former Bok coach Nick Mallett said the move might help France’s defense. Dupont weighs about 10kg more than Lucu. Mallett said this could assist in the defensive battle against the Springbok attack.

Springboks Aim to Counter French Tactics

South Africa enters the match as back-to-back world champions. They hold a dominant record against France. The Springboks have won nine of the last 10 Tests against France. This includes their five most recent encounters in Paris.

One victory was a 14-man win last autumn. They also won by one point in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final. To counter the French side, South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus made only one change to the squad that recently defeated Italy 66-7.

The South African defense will focus on denying the French playmakers time and space. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi emphasized that while the French will bring immense physicality, the team is prepared to handle the unpredictability of the Dupont-Lucu combination. Stick said the Springboks could be punished if they allow that combination time and space. He noted the speed of France’s outside backs like Louis Bielle-Biarrey.

France Adjusts Forward Pack

France adjusted its forward pack to match the expected physical pressure from the Springboks. Hooker Julien Marchand returns to the starting lineup in place of Maxime Lamothe. Former captain Gregory Alldritt returns to the team at number eight for the first time in a year.

Alldritt was omitted from the Six Nations. Galthié said Alldritt is a great guy and an example of giving his all for the team.

The French selection includes several other names:

• Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang: This England-born winger earns his fourth cap on the wing. He moved to France at 19 after struggling for professional contracts in England. He won Olympic gold in Sevens alongside Dupont in 2024.
• Maxime Lucu: He returns to his preferred number nine jersey after being on the bench last week against Fiji.
• Paul Boudehent: This fellow back-rower is injured.

The Springboks remain focused on their own standards. Kolisi said the team will take every game as it comes. He said previous results, including the 2023 World Cup quarter-final, are now history. “No, we take every game as it comes – what happened then is history,” Kolisi said.

The Nations Championship Match Occurs Friday at Stade De France

The Nations Championship match is on Friday, 13 November, at the Stade de France in Paris. Kick-off is at 22:10 South African time. SuperSport will broadcast the match live.

Referee Andrea Piardi from Italy will officiate. Assistant referees are Christophe Ridley and Gianluca Gnecchi. Matteo Liperini will serve as TMO.

Will the unconventional Dupont-Lucu pairing overcome the Springbok defensive system?

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