Play of the Week: Dazzling Dupont

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In a new segment by SARugbymag.co.za, the first Play of the Week award goes to France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, who conjured up a magical performance against Italy.

There were a few contenders for Play of the Week. Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe’s barnstorming run to the tryline and his teammate Hamish Watson’s mighty turnover at the death against England, as well as Wales flyer Louis Rees-Zammit’s acrobatic finish in the corner against Ireland.

Ultimately, though, it was Dupont who had fans on the edge of their seats and sent the internet into overdrive.

The 24-year-old has made great strides in his development and his subsequent ascend to the No 1-ranked scrumhalf in French rugby.

With a try and four try assists, Dupont was at his devastating best. But it was his other-worldly third try assist in particular that caught the eye.

With Italy on attack, the ball squirted loose and Dupont was fastest to react as he booted the ball upfield for his wing to chase. Dupont kept running in support and latched on to a backward pop pass from his teammate just outside the 22.

He made it about six metres from the tryline before he was hauled in. But then he executed the most audacious pass to set up Arthur Vincent for a try. Off balance and falling to his right, Dupont pulled off a no-look offload over the head of his tackler to release Vincent for the score.

It was an outrageous piece of skill that best illustrated what an outrageously skilful player Dupont is.


Photo: Getty Images

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Mariette Adams