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Dupont picked at 10 amid France fly-half crisis
Antoine Dupont will start at fly-half for France against world champions South Africa in Paris on Friday, despite having limited experience in the position. Coach Fabien Galthie chose the France captain amid injuries to four regular options, making the selection a significant test ahead of a difficult match-up.
Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos and Antoine Hastoy are unavailable; Ntamack injured his shoulder during France’s 54-17 win over Fiji. Maxime Lucu, who recently started at fly-half for Bordeaux-Begles, will play at scrum-half, while London-born Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang earns his fourth cap on the wing after winning Olympic sevens gold with Dupont in 2024. South Africa have made one change after beating Italy 66-7, and have won nine of their past 10 Tests against France.
In short
- Dupont will cover fly-half against South Africa.
- France are without four usual fly-half options.
- South Africa have won nine of their last 10 Tests against France.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Starting Dupont at fly-half uses the squad’s most influential player to address an injury crisis and may give France the best chance to compete against a formidable South African side. His leadership, adaptability and familiarity with Lucu could help the team make the most of a difficult selection situation.
The case against
Fly-half is a specialised role, and Dupont’s limited experience there could leave France less settled in a high-pressure match against the world champions. Keeping him at scrum-half, where his influence is greatest, and choosing a more experienced alternative at ten might better preserve the team’s balance.
Explained simply
In rugby union, the fly-half usually directs attacks and makes many of the team’s key kicking decisions. Antoine Dupont is France’s captain and a leading scrum-half, a role focused on linking the forwards with the backs, but he has far less experience at fly-half.
France’s usual options for the position are unavailable through injury, including Romain Ntamack, who hurt his shoulder against Fiji. Coach Fabien Galthie has also selected Maxime Lucu, who has recently played fly-half for his club, Bordeaux-Begles.
South Africa are the reigning world champions and have won nine of their past 10 Tests against France. The selection therefore puts a new responsibility on Dupont against a strong opponent, while Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang is set to make his fourth appearance for France after winning Olympic sevens gold with Dupont in 2024.