The ex-Bleu (2006-2015) and former Stade Toulousain player (2006-2017) shares his feelings ahead of the big meeting of the XV of France, Sunday October 15 at the Stade de France (9 p.m.) against the Springboks.
He represented France at three World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015), no less. Thierry Dusautoir, 80 selections in Blue between 2006 and 2015, knows the scent of major meetings, such as the one that awaits the current players of the XV of France, Sunday October 15 at the Stade de France against South Africa. South (9 p.m.). At stake: a place in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup.
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At the dawn of this duel which promises to be titanic, the “Dark Destroyer” gave his feelings on the Blues of today and in particular, on the return of Antoine Dupont, of whom we believed, for a time, that he would not be able to compete in this World Cup in its entirety after his broken cheekbone. The Haut-Pyrénées will start on Sunday.
An obvious “plus” according to Dusautoir, but which does not necessarily constitute an assurance of victory. What is most important, according to him, is first and foremost the collective.
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“I like the state of mind of these Blues” he begins. “I like their self-confidence. They don’t let themselves be destabilized by the scenario of the match. They maintain confidence in themselves and that’s really important. That’s their strength. We often talk about Antoine Dupont because he is one of the best players in the world, even more so in his position. But the real strength of this team is its general leadership, the level of the team in general. It succeeded in restoring confidence to the supporters. . And it allows us to have ambitions in this World Cup, so it’s really exciting.”
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Asked again: “Does the return of Antoine Dupont change everything?”, he replied: “I don’t think so. Because this team is strong. But, obviously, any team in the world will be better with Dupont, so it is indeed an added value. I nevertheless think that the French team remains a very good French team, whatever happens.”