Emmanuel LANGELLIER, Media365: published on Thursday April 4, 2024 at 10:58 p.m.
While Thomas Ramos is uncertain, Antoine Dupont could play at the opening, Sunday in the Champions Cup against Racing.
After the 20th day of Top 14, it’s time this weekend for the 8th finals of the Champions Cup. While the double defending champion, La Rochelle, will travel to the Stormers field on Saturday (kick-off at 4:00 p.m.), Toulouse, five-time winner of the event (in 1996, 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2021), will host a national competitor, Racing 92, Sunday afternoon (4:00 p.m.). The composition of the Rouge et Noir is not yet known and uncertainty remains regarding the positioning of the essential Antoine Dupont, returned to France after his successful tour with the French rugby sevens team in view of the next Olympic Games of Paris 2024.
Mola: Dupont “could be international in four positions”
While Thomas Ramos remains uncertain after being hit in the iliac crest (contusion) ten days ago against UBB, the international fly-half or full-back is on the mend. But his presence on the match sheet on Sunday at Ernest-Wallon is not yet assured. The decision will only be taken at the last minute, indicated Ugo Mola, the manager of Stade Toulousain who affirmed that no risks will be taken. “Beyond the decisive match against Racing, we are in April and losing Thomas until the end of the season would perhaps be bullshit.”
Dupont: “I enjoy playing 9 as much as 10”
So, Dupont could start at the opening against the Parisian club. Fundamental, the 27-year-old “could be international in four positions,” Mola said glowingly on Thursday. The one who was crowned best player in the world in 2021 can indeed play as a scrum half, flyhalf, second center or fullback, he is so strong… Usually a scrum half, will Dupont play in 10, his training station, like during the last two Top 14 meetings? “For us, he is a player who does not really have a position as soon as the game gets carried away,” commented the Toulouse coach. Antoine has this ability to be able to play at a very high level on a regular basis, regardless of the number on his back.” “We have the idea of having him play elsewhere as soon as he returns from the Olympics,” added Mola. Whether it’s 9, 10, 13 or 15, he could be international in all four positions. » And what does Dupont think? “I enjoy playing 9 as much as 10,” replied the young man. Afterwards, once the game starts, even if it’s obviously not the same position, we all try to play the same rugby, to no longer necessarily calculate with the number on our backs. As long as I’m on the pitch, everything suits me. »
2024-04-05 00:37:45
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