Laurent Labit hints that Antoine Dupont could feature at flyhalf for France

France coach Laurent Labit has hinted that Antoine Dupont could feature at flyhalf for France in the future.

The 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year captained France to a Six Nations Grand Slam this year starting every game at scrumhalf. 

The 25-year is widely regarded as the best scrumhalf in the world and has recently shown his versatility for Toulouse in the Champions Cup and Top 14.

The defending Champions Cup champions have been moving Dupont into the flyhalf channel in the latter stages of recent games, particularly when Toulouse are chasing a win.

He did so in the 23-16 Top 14 win over La Rochelle and again in the Champions Cup match against Munster a week later.

Speaking to Midi Olympique, France backs' coach Laurent Labit commented on Dupont's performances and how teams are playing against him.

Dupont has been heavily marked by defences recently and Labit suggests that he will have to develop his game more to move the target off his back.

"He would sometimes have to manage to develop his game and take fewer things on his own to try to be forgotten, even though it is difficult today for a defender to forget Antoine Dupont " Labit said 

Labit further praised the France captain by suggesting that he could be impactful in every backline position.

 "A player like Antoine is capable of playing 10, but if he moved to centre, fullback or wing, he would still be just as good. "

Providing reasoning for Dupont's move to flyhalf for Toulouse, Labit explained that the move "allows Stade Toulousain to find solutions to best utilise his support lines, power or play"

Labit also revealed that the French coaching staff have already considered playing Dupont at flyhalf. In his reasoning, he explains that many of the French forwards aren't conditioned to last a full 80 minutes of test rugby leading to France selecting a 6-2 bench, meaning they require versatility in the backs.

" It's something that we have already mentioned, of course. As our forwards are not really formatted in the Top 14 to last 80 minutes, we also often evolve in 6-2 on the bench. We must therefore think about all eventualities. "

Ahead of the clash with Leinster this weekend, Midi Olympique also spoke to former Ireland and Leinster captain Brian O'Driscoll.

O'Driscoll was questioned about the recent performances of Leinster scrumhalf Jamison Gibson-Park with many Irish news outlets suggesting that he is one of the best scrum-halves in the game right now.

"It's all the same very generous for Gibson-Park… He will have to maintain this level of play for several seasons, before being able to claim this conversation… Have you seen what Antoine Dupont is doing? Is he really human?" O'Driscoll said.

"He was voted the best player in the world and I see no possible dispute. He is alone, on his planet. Even in the most closed situations, he is capable of overturning everything to his advantage... With him, we got used to the extraordinary."

"Did you see his shots on goal against Munster? Absolutely no emotion. Nothing. His body language is amazing. There is not an ounce of doubt in him, while these kicks are immensely important."

"He is young, humble, works hard for his team – which is not emphasized enough. He has everything. Really, it's a phenomenon. The big rugby star for the next few years is French, you're in luck." he added.