‘It doesn’t matter to me’ – Antoine Dupont hits back at criticism

France and Toulouse captain Antoine Dupont has hit back at criticism of his and his club’s form after a relatively slow start to the season.

It’s been a competitive opening to the Top 14 season, with just nine league points separating leaders Racing 92 (28) and 10th-placed Bayonne (19).

Ahead of the break for the Champions Cup, Toulouse fell to a 27-12 away defeat to Stade Francais, which saw them head into the European action ranked sixth on the overall table.

Hit back at the critics

There has been plenty of criticism of Ugo Mola’s side’s form after the defending champions won just five of their opening nine games of the season.

That criticism has also been aimed at the club’s star man following his return to action after France’s disappointing Rugby World Cup campaign, where they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of their home tournament, losing to eventual champions South Africa.

Toulouse hit back at their critics in round one of the Champions Cup, thumping Welsh outfit Cardiff 52-7.

In an interview with French publication Rugby Rama, Dupont was asked if he felt vindicated after producing a standout performance against Cardiff.

“It doesn’t matter to me, I don’t play for that [praise],” Dupont said.

“We see those comments and it doesn’t make us happy, but I am in tune with the staff, my teammates and myself.

“I am the first critic of my services, and we always try to do better the following weekend. I was happy with the team’s performance against Cardiff. We all had fun despite the rain, and we returned to this competition in the best possible way, with a compelling win that did everyone good.”

Away day woes

A primary reason for Toulouse’s lowly position in the Top 14 standings has been their struggles away from home. Mola’s side has won just one of their five away games in the league but has a perfect four-from-four win ratio at home.

The 27-year-old says that playing at the Stade Ernest-Wallon is an easier task, with the home crowds for Castres and Stade Francais making away games harder.

He adds that Toulouse will need to be more consistent going forward, particularly in the Champions Cup.

“The away matches were harder, more bitter than those at home. Castres, the Stade Français, when they play at home, have an extra bit of soul; they have been fierce oppositions,” he said.

“At home, it’s simpler, but we had difficulty putting together two big matches in a row this season. In the Champions Cup, we know that we will not be able to catch up later. It’s a sprint; all the points will be important; I hope we live up to the challenge.”

Following their comprehensive win over Cardiff, Toulouse is on the road in round two of the tournament as they head to London, where they will tackle Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.

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