Dupont dares to dream of Grand Slam after France overcome Wales

March 12, 2022
1559
Ultimate Rugby

France are one game away from clinching a Grand Slam after overcoming Wales, but Antoine Dupont is not ready to celebrate just yet.

France captain Antoine Dupont said his side are embracing the spotlight surrounding next Saturday's fixture against England to complete the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Les Blues have only completed the Grand Slam once since 2004 – in 2010 – while more recently Ireland achieved the feat in 2018, followed by Wales in 2019.

After beating Wales 13-9, Dupont spoke about the strength of the French defence and its ability to win tough contests, before looking forward to the big clash against England.

"We felt that we could count on our defense," he said. "They often came to our camp with our faults and their long kicking game.

"We were able to cope, and it's something that has carried us for several matches – we have to continue on that.

"It wasn't the most beautiful match we've had to watch, but you have to know how to win like that too.

"We try to turn this pressure into motivation – we said we wanted to have the cards in hand for the last match, it's done.

"We will be able to devote ourselves fully to it and we hope that it will work. The party tonight is going to be very light. We're going to wait a week and hope to be able to party.

"In the dressing room, there was a mix of emotions, joy and pride intertwined, but with the England game in the back of my mind.

"We're going to enjoy tonight, but we're all looking forward to Saturday night [against England].

"The Grand Slam? From now on, we can talk about it.

"It's going to be on everyone's lips and in the media this week. It's up to us to make sure we win this match, and we know what will come of it."

England are still in contention to win the Six Nations, but they must beat Ireland in Saturday's clash at Twickenham.