French Rugby Sevens Team Secures Historic Victory in Madrid
It will become difficult not to link the success of this French team with the presence of Antoine Dupont. Three months after winning in Los Angeles, nineteen years after its last coronation, the French men's rugby sevens team won the Madrid tournament on Sunday evening, dominating Argentina in the final (19-5). This victory secured their position in the world circuit of the discipline for the first time in history.
The Tricolores took their revenge on the Argentine team, who had defeated them the day before (26-12) during their second group match at Civitas Metropolitano. Jérôme Daret's men then snatched their qualification against Great Britain on Saturday (17-12), a match punctuated by a superb solo try from Stade Toulouse star, Antoine Dupont. Following this, they triumphed in the semi-final against the double Fijian Olympic champions (21-14) and then dominated the best team of the regular season in the final.
A meeting where the Tricolores first conceded the opening try but quickly turned the tide, particularly with their strong defensive impact. Antoine Dupont stood out by signing an assist for his captain Paulin Riva. This Madrid tournament also highlights the excellent integration of Dupont into the team, as his performance was crucial in many matches including the semi-final.
Dupont’s Exceptional Performance and Fast Adaptation
Less than two months before the Olympic Games, which open on July 24, the French rugby sevens team is gaining momentum towards their ambition for Olympic gold. This Madrid tournament concludes a cycle of five meetings with the world elite, where they reached at least the last four on four occasions, with three finals in total, including two coronations. Antoine Dupont, whose personal record in the discipline now includes two gold medals and one bronze, confirmed his swift integration into the squad with his outstanding performance.
A week after a grueling Champions Cup final, Dupont played the role of luxury substitute effectively. His decisive plays, including a powerful try against Great Britain, demonstrate his readiness and critical importance to the team. The Dupont-Epée connection particularly shone, with the duo creating crucial scoring opportunities and leading the team to victory.
Road to the Olympic Dream
The Blues' resilience was evident as they reacted well throughout the tournament. After a resounding start against Australia (38-5), a defeat to Argentina (26-12), and a tense match against Great Britain, they showcased their strength and depth. Antoine Dupont's entry into various games, particularly against Great Britain, was eagerly awaited by the fans. His ability to change the pace of the game with his dynamic playmaking and scoring tries helped propel the team to the next stages.
Daret's men, despite facing fatigue and challenging possessions, managed to accelerate through crucial plays. The best player in the world, Dupont, consistently created opportunities that his teammates capitalized on, highlighting the team’s coordinated effort and strong connections. With the Olympic Games on the horizon, the French rugby sevens team's performance in Madrid serves as a strong indicator of their potential for Olympic success.
- The victory in Madrid is not just a testament to the tactical prowess of Jérôme Daret but also underscores the importance of strategic player integration, as seen with the inclusion of Antoine Dupont. His immediate contribution signifies the depth and versatility of the team.
- Antoine Dupont’s exceptional integration into the rugby sevens team builds on his performance from previous tournaments in Vancouver, where he already showcased his potential with two golds and one bronze. His dynamic playstyle and ability to turn the tide in crucial moments have made him an irreplaceable asset.
