Dupont backs World Cup halfback partner to step up against Ireland
SPOTLIGHT: In-form France flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert is ready to step into the spotlight and shine in the reigning champions’ Six Nations opener against Ireland, his captain Antoine Dupont said on Wednesday.
The mercurial 27-year-old has been at his brilliant best this season with Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles, as he was in helping them to the title last May.
With scrumhalf Dupont’s Toulouse halfback partner Romain Ntamack still working his way back to full fitness after an injury, Jalibert is due to line up in the No.10 jersey on Thursday at the Stade de France.
And as ever, the attention is going to be intense around his performance, particularly given his inconsistent form for France in the past.
“It is not just today that the No.10s are in the spotlight, whether in a positive or a negative sense,” said Dupont, who will make his first appearance for Les Bleus in 11 months due to a cruciate knee ligament injury.
“Everyone believes in Matthieu – his teammates, the coaching staff, and even you lot, given that all the journalists were clamouring for him to start the Six Nations, given the season he’s having.
“It’s green lights all the way for him. We know the quality that he is capable of, and we hope that he brings all of his potential, in the same way that he has since the beginning of the season.”
For Dupont, it is a return to face the side against whom he tore his ligament during last year’s penultimate Six Nations match.
Even without Dupont on the field, France romped to a 42-27 victory and sealed the Six Nations title the following week with a win over Scotland.
“It’s true that when we went over the images from last year, obviously, it didn’t just bring back good memories. But as I’ve said many times, it was honestly an accident that could happen in any match,” said Dupont.
“As it so happened, it was against Ireland, but that hasn’t tainted my preparation. I just want to play a great match and begin the tournament with a victory.”
There has been much talk about France being the favourites for the Six Nations and even going for a Grand Slam, given that they play their two toughest rivals – Ireland and England at home.
But Dupont is unfazed by that.
“It would be premature to talk about a bonus point or a Grand Slam, we’re a long way away from that,” he said.
“But, as we’re starting the tournament at home, that means we basically have to win if we want to show some ambition in this Six Nations.”
