Springboks warn Dupont-Lucu axis could prove 'tricky' in Paris Nations Championship clash

South Africa assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has singled out France’s improvised half-back combination of Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu as the primary threat facing the Springboks when the two sides meet at the Stade de France on Friday in the Nations Championship.

France have been forced to shift Dupont from scrum-half to fly-half following an injury crisis that has ruled out Romain Ntamack and their other leading No.10 options. Rather than treating the reshuffle as a vulnerability, Stick expects the pair to interchange freely throughout the game — a fluid arrangement he believes could create serious problems if South Africa allow them room to operate.

“No 9 and No 10 is where it’s going to get tricky,” Stick said. “I have no doubt that even though Dupont will be wearing the No 10 jersey, he’s going to have licence to do whatever he wants between the two positions. Remember that Lucu has also covered 10 in the past, so between the two of them there’ll be freedom to keep swapping in general play. You’ll probably see Dupont at the breakdowns at No 9, and Lucu at first receiver at times.”

Stick was equally respectful of the wider French backline, noting the pace France carry outside their half-backs. “They also have very dangerous outside backs, and they’ve selected very quick players,” he said, referencing wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey alongside Dupont as players capable of punishing any lapse in defensive discipline.

Despite the acknowledged dangers, Stick insisted South Africa would not deviate from the suffocating defensive identity that has defined their world-champion era. “It’s no secret how we operate on defence. Denying the opposition space will always be part of our plan,” he said.

He also pointed to the forward battle as the foundation on which the match will be decided. “If I look at the profiles of the two teams, both packs want momentum and want to dominate, and that will set the platform for both backlines. So, if we get quick ball with the backline players we’ve got, we also have the potential to punish France.”

Lucu’s composure under pressure drew particular attention from Stick, who described the Bordeaux-Bègles scrum-half as “probably one of the best in game management” in the current game, adding that his kicking ability made him a dual threat alongside Dupont’s decision-making speed.