Dan Carter has paid tribute to fellow rugby great Antoine Dupont following the France playmaker’s stunning performances at the Paris Olympics.
Much rested on the outstanding Toulouse scrum-half, who came into the men’s rugby sevens tournament under pressure to deliver gold for his country.
France were much more than a one-man team but, when they needed Dupont to deliver, he did just that.
Bench impact
The 27-year-old came off the bench in every knockout match and made a significant contribution in all three.
Dupont scored the game-clinching try against Argentina and set up the final score against South Africa in the last-four, but his biggest impact came in the showpiece event itself.
With the scores level at 7-7 at the break, the great playmaker produced the assist for Aaron Grandidier Nkanang’s effort before he touched down twice himself.
That secured a 28-7 victory over Fiji as the French won the gold medal, with Carter stunned by how well Dupont has managed to transition from XVs.
“It’s been incredible. Not many people will realise that since rugby sevens became an Olympic sport the game has really turned with these professional athletes,” the All Blacks legend told Discovery+.
“Rugby sevens and rugby XVs, they’re two different sports and a lot of players have tried to cross over and really struggled.
“I think a lot of people underestimate how difficult it is to go from XVs to sevens, so for Dupont to be able to do that seamlessly and have success immediately, it just goes to show what an incredible athlete he is.
“I’m sure he’s still learning and adjusting to the game but you wouldn’t know when you go and watch him.
“There’s been a couple of key moments when the French team needed him where he stepped up and scored incredible tries. His ability to come on at the end of the game and open it up, he’s a freak.”
Olympic Games: Inspired Antoine Dupont leads France to gold medal glory as Fiji’s remarkable reign ends
First gold for hosts
France’s victory in the men’s sevens event kick-started the Olympics for the hosts as they claimed their first gold medal of Paris 2024.
During each of the three days of action, the crowd has packed out the Stade de France and the team rewarded that support with the win.
Carter knows the passion the fans bring having had stints with both Perpignan and Racing 92 during his distinguished career.
“Having lived here for three years and then to be back in Paris for such a momentous occasion like the Olympics, it’s incredible,” he added.
“What an amazing few days we’ve had with the rugby sevens, but now it really feels like after the ceremony we’re right into the action.”
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