Antoine Dupont Returns to International XVs as France Defeats Japan

France commenced their Autumn Nations Series with a decisive 52-12 victory against Eddie Jones’ Japan, a game that marked Antoine Dupont’s comeback to international XVs rugby. Dupont, recognized as the World Player of the Year in 2021, was part of the French squad that scored 52 points, including 31 in the first half. French tries were secured by Louis Bielle-Biarrey (2), Emilien Gailleton, Alexandre Roumat, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, and Paul Boudehent (2), with Thomas Ramos converting six. Japan’s 12 points resulted from tries by Harumichi Tatekawa and Tevita Tatafu, with a conversion by Saito. Having secured an Olympic gold medal with the France sevens team in July, Dupont’s appearance was his first in international XVs since France’s significant World Cup quarter-final loss to South Africa on home soil last October. The former World Player of the Year, who dedicated 2024 to sevens rugby, participated for 66 minutes, demonstrating consistent sharpness, though a second-half try he scored was disallowed. During a commanding first half, wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored two tries, and 21-year-old Emilien Gailleton also contributed a score. Following flanker Alexandre Roumat’s third try, the returning star Dupont collaborated with Peato Mauvaka, setting up the hooker for a score. Prop Jean-Baptiste Gros also powered over for a try, and Paul Boudehent of La Rochelle completed a clinical performance by scoring twice. Japan, coached by Eddie Jones, who had recently suffered a significant defeat against New Zealand in Yokohama, displayed considerable improvement in the second half, with tries coming from fly-half Harumichi Tatekawa and replacement Tevita Tatafu. Fabien Galthie’s team is scheduled to play New Zealand next Saturday in a repeat of the opening match of last autumn’s World Cup. In other rugby news, Argentina delivered a pertinent message to their upcoming opponents, Ireland, by securing a 50-18 victory over Italy in Udine, indicating they should not be underestimated. Fly-half Tomas Albornoz, who plays his club rugby for Benetton in Italy, contributed 20 points, leading the Pumas to their most substantial win against a Six Nations adversary.