Antoine Dupont to lead France against Japan in Autumn Test
Antonie Dupont returns as captain of France
©Steve Haag
Antoine Dupont is set to make his comeback as captain of France when Les Tricolores face Japan in their opening autumn rugby Test at the Stade de France.
Known for his remarkable leadership and dynamic play, Dupont will aim to inspire a strong performance from his squad after a sabbatical to pursue sevens rugby, where he famously secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics with two tries in the final against Fiji.
The Stade de France, however, also brings back memories of the one-point heartbreak France suffered against South Africa in last year’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.
After his return to club rugby with Toulouse, where he impressed with a rapid hat-trick off the bench, Dupont now leads Fabien Galthié’s team, which is primed for an expansive display in the backline.
Léo Barré starts at fullback, freeing Thomas Ramos to partner Dupont at fly-half, while winger Yoram Moefana shifts to midfield alongside rising star Émilien Gailleton, earning his fourth cap at just 21.
France’s starting lineup showcases their try-scoring potential, with hooker Peato Mauvaka, a key finisher, boasting nine international tries and a strike rate that averages better than one every four games.
Additional threats lie on the bench with fly-half Matthieu Jalibert, seasoned centre Gaël Fickou, and scrum-half Maxime Lucu in a 5-3 bench split, ready to add depth and versatility.
Following their encounter with Japan, Les Tricolores will remain at the Stade de France to host New Zealand and Argentina in a series of high-stakes matches.
France: 15 Léo Barré, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Émilien Gailleton, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 François Cros, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Reserves: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Mickaël Guillard, 20 Paul Boudehent, 21 Maxime Lucu, 22 Matthieu Jalibert, 23 Gael Fickou
