‘Antoine Dupont is France’s Dan Carter’ – All Blacks legend

Former All Blacks blindside flanker Jerome Kaino sees elements of Dan Carter in France’s outstanding scrum-half Antoine Dupont.

The 40-year-old, who was the long-time team-mate of Carter but also played with Dupont for several years at Toulouse, obviously rates the Frenchman very highly.

Dupont is the linchpin for both club and country, and was rewarded for his performances in 2021 when he became the World Rugby Player of the Year.

Although that title was taken by Josh van der Flier in 2022, many still believe that the 26-year-old is the true number one.

Influence in the World Cup

Keeping him fit and available will be key to Les Bleus’ chances at the Rugby World Cup, and Kaino revealed what he is like behind the scenes.

The All Blacks great also reserved praise for Dupont’s half-back, Romain Ntamack, who will sadly miss the global tournament after suffering an ACL injury.

“When we talk about Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, DC comes to mind,” Kaino told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. “The way they operate, the way they think about the game, how professional they are.

“I immediately think ‘Dan Carter’ in terms of the mannerisms, what they do.”

After spending the majority of his career in New Zealand, Kaino moved to Toulouse in 2018, where he played alongside Dupont.

Together they won the European and domestic double in 2021, with the scrum-half at the heart of the team’s success.

“When he plays for us [Toulouse], everyone is trying to target him,” Kaino said. “He’s obviously the link between forwards and backs but probably the key to our game. The way he adjusts, the way he adapts, it’s incredible.

“When I watch him play, he loves pressure; he loves people targeting him. He will always find a way to adapt to whatever comes his way. If he keeps going the way he is, he could go down as one of the best.

“For his size, he’s really physical; he loves the contact. He’s quite abrasive, but his skills, if you’ve seen him play, he’s got box kicks off left and right, fend with both hands.”

Targeting France

New Zealand take on France in the World Cup opener, and Kaino believes that stopping Les Bleus’ pack from dominating is the key to reducing Dupont’s influence.

“I think French rugby have built a good pool of players over the last couple of years. Any position they’ve got depth. Whoever fills in for Romain, I’m sure they will try keep similar cohesion, connection,” he added.

“For us, on the All Blacks side, the key is upfront. Their forwards love to pick and go, love mauls, I think for us, we saw that match in 2021, and that’s where it all started for their momentum. Up front.

“If we are able to do that, it makes it a bit harder for Antoine and whoever is at 10.”

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