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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is an old saying in British football that asks whether a star player can do it “on rainy Monday night in Stoke”. A similar question, with a twist, could be asked of France superstar Antoine Dupont. “Can he do it on a steaming January Saturday in Durban?”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The little general, a talisman and totem of French rugby, will make his first club appearance in South Africa when he turns out against the Sharks in an Investec Champions Cup round three match at Kings Park.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up north Dupont, with some justification, is viewed as the best player in the world, although he has played painfully few minutes of rugby below the equator.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no doubting Dupont’s brilliance, but the 27 minutes against the Boks at Kings Park in 2017 remains his only outing in South Africa and the southern hemisphere. The jury is still out on whether he can perform as well outside of familiar territories.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a way, this outing is a chance for Dupont to show that he really is the top dog in world rugby.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The debate about greatest players is a bit of fun, but hardly precise in a sport with so many unique positions that make different demands on different players.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no doubt though, that the strength of Dupont’s contribution will be a factor in the outcome of the match. Great players have a way of winning small battles within the war to secure a positive result.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharks prop Ox Nche, another who could make a case for the best player in the world, albeit in an entirely different way from Dupont, probably won’t have too many chances to directly oppose the scrumhalf on the field this weekend given their respective positions. But he has issued a warning to his teammates to beware of the French magician.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“He’s [Dupont] a special, talented player and he is a big part of how Toulouse play,” Nche said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We obviously have to deal with it and not get caught with our pants around our knees.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I mean, any team in the world playing against Antoine Dupont would know exactly that you have to do a player analysis on him.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nche wasn’t saying what the analysis has revealed, but in broad technical terms, it must have been something like, “stop him”.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Vital round</b></h4>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2541571\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2190094026.jpg\" alt=\"Dupont in action against the Exeter chiefs\" width=\"1769\" height=\"1137\" /> <em>Antoine Dupont of Stade Toulousain runs in to score his side’s first try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Exeter Chiefs in Exeter, England, on December 15, 2024. (Photo:Dan Mullan / Getty Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a chastening round two of the Investec Champions Cup last December, which saw South Africa’s three leading clubs suffer defeats, they are up against it in round three.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An understrength Sharks suffered a 56-17 loss to a Handré Pollard-inspired Leicester nearly a month ago. They at least won in round one and should they beat Toulouse, they will be back in play-off contention.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The French giants arrived in South Africa this week with a squad brimming with class and experience, in addition to Dupont.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After winning their opening two matches of the competition, Toulouse might have been forgiven for sending an understrength squad. But they haven’t, instead sending the full roster to take on a Sharks team riddled with injury.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fullback Thomas Ramos, hooker Peato Mauvaka, lock Emmanuel Meafou and flyhalf Romain Ntamack are just some of the star-studded six-time Champions Cup winners in town.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-17-sa-teams-under-fire-for-poor-performances-in-champions-cup/\">SA teams under fire for poor performances in Champions Cup</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The match is being billed as a proxy clash for the Springboks versus France, which adds to the hype. The reality though is that the Sharks will be without key Bok players such as André Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While respecting Dupont’s skills, Nche believes the battle up front will be decisive.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“French rugby is very much about the scrum and set piece, and Toulouse are probably the best team currently on their form,” Nche said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They are very adaptable, they are happy to try new tricks, but they have a system that works for them and won’t stray too much from what they do.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They’re really strong and when you think you’ve beaten them in one scrum, they come back at the next one, so it’s going to be a really good scrumming challenge, one I’m looking forward to.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They have a lot of internationals and so do we. They play with French flair, they have a good set piece and they want to dominate their opponents physically.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We will have to bring some of our expertise on what to expect and how we played against France. We’ve played against a lot of those guys, so there’s a lot of French rugby DNA and South African rugby DNA.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s going to be a big and very exciting challenge.”</span>\r\n<h4><b>On the brink</b></h4>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2541579\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2189969390.jpg\" alt=\"Tyrone Green of Harlequins and Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers compete for the ball\" width=\"1179\" height=\"1727\" /> <em>Tyrone Green of Harlequins (left) competes for the high ball against Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers during their Investec Champions Cup match in London, England, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Alex Davidson / Getty Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2541572\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TL_2318116.jpg\" alt=\"Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls in action against the Northampton Saints.\" width=\"1713\" height=\"1194\" /> <em>Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls breaks away on his way to score his try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Gordon Arons / Gallo Images)</em></p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it isn’t quite a knock-out game for the Sharks, the Stormers and Bulls are in a different situation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defeat to the Sale Sharks in Cape Town will end any hopes the Stormers have of advancing to the play-offs after two defeats already. The same goes for the Bulls in their visit to French club Castres.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of the two, the Stormers arguably have the better chance of advancing just because they are at home against Sale and, given the momentum they picked up through two good United Rugby Championship (URC) derby wins over Christmas, a full house of five log points is distinctly possible.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-20-big-local-urc-derbies-will-shape-the-campaigns-for-south-african-clubs-this-weekend/\">Big local URC derbies will shape the campaigns for South African clubs this weekend</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That will leave them knowing what to do when they visit Racing 92 for their last group game. If the Stormers lose to Sale, that game will become a dead rubber. Victory on Saturday will mean they go to France with everything on the line.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the game coming a week before the important URC clash with Leinster in Dublin, the Western Cape side will also be able to treat their trip north as a full tour.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the Bulls, the immediate task is more difficult as they are away from home, but they can use as their motivation for their game against Castres the memory of how unlucky they were not to beat Lyon away from home with an understrength team last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they do get across the line against Castres they are in the top four in Pool 3 and will have the carrot of knowing that a win over Stade Francais in their final group game at Loftus will be enough to secure them an advance. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n<h4><b>DHL Stormers vs Sale Sharks</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 3pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Ludovic Cayre</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Toulouse</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 5.15pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Luke Pearce</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Castres Olympique vs Vodacom Bulls</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: Stade Pierre Fabre, Castres</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 10pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Matthew Carley</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3:</b></h4>\r\n<h4><b>Montpellier vs Emirates Lions</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: GGL Stadium, Montpellier</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 7.30pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Ben Breakspear</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Toyota Cheetahs vs Zebre Parma</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Sunday, 12 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: NRCA Stadium, Amsterdam</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 3pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Peter Martin</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>",
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"name": "Marcell Coetzee of the Vodacom Blue Bulls breaks away on his way to score his try during the Investec Champions Cup match between Vodacom Bulls and Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld on December 14, 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Gordon Arons/Gallo Images)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is an old saying in British football that asks whether a star player can do it “on rainy Monday night in Stoke”. A similar question, with a twist, could be asked of France superstar Antoine Dupont. “Can he do it on a steaming January Saturday in Durban?”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The little general, a talisman and totem of French rugby, will make his first club appearance in South Africa when he turns out against the Sharks in an Investec Champions Cup round three match at Kings Park.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up north Dupont, with some justification, is viewed as the best player in the world, although he has played painfully few minutes of rugby below the equator.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no doubting Dupont’s brilliance, but the 27 minutes against the Boks at Kings Park in 2017 remains his only outing in South Africa and the southern hemisphere. The jury is still out on whether he can perform as well outside of familiar territories.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a way, this outing is a chance for Dupont to show that he really is the top dog in world rugby.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The debate about greatest players is a bit of fun, but hardly precise in a sport with so many unique positions that make different demands on different players.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no doubt though, that the strength of Dupont’s contribution will be a factor in the outcome of the match. Great players have a way of winning small battles within the war to secure a positive result.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharks prop Ox Nche, another who could make a case for the best player in the world, albeit in an entirely different way from Dupont, probably won’t have too many chances to directly oppose the scrumhalf on the field this weekend given their respective positions. But he has issued a warning to his teammates to beware of the French magician.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“He’s [Dupont] a special, talented player and he is a big part of how Toulouse play,” Nche said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We obviously have to deal with it and not get caught with our pants around our knees.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“I mean, any team in the world playing against Antoine Dupont would know exactly that you have to do a player analysis on him.”</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nche wasn’t saying what the analysis has revealed, but in broad technical terms, it must have been something like, “stop him”.</span>\r\n<h4><b>Vital round</b></h4>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2541571\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1769\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2541571\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2190094026.jpg\" alt=\"Dupont in action against the Exeter chiefs\" width=\"1769\" height=\"1137\" /> <em>Antoine Dupont of Stade Toulousain runs in to score his side’s first try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Exeter Chiefs in Exeter, England, on December 15, 2024. (Photo:Dan Mullan / Getty Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After a chastening round two of the Investec Champions Cup last December, which saw South Africa’s three leading clubs suffer defeats, they are up against it in round three.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An understrength Sharks suffered a 56-17 loss to a Handré Pollard-inspired Leicester nearly a month ago. They at least won in round one and should they beat Toulouse, they will be back in play-off contention.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The French giants arrived in South Africa this week with a squad brimming with class and experience, in addition to Dupont.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After winning their opening two matches of the competition, Toulouse might have been forgiven for sending an understrength squad. But they haven’t, instead sending the full roster to take on a Sharks team riddled with injury.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fullback Thomas Ramos, hooker Peato Mauvaka, lock Emmanuel Meafou and flyhalf Romain Ntamack are just some of the star-studded six-time Champions Cup winners in town.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-17-sa-teams-under-fire-for-poor-performances-in-champions-cup/\">SA teams under fire for poor performances in Champions Cup</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The match is being billed as a proxy clash for the Springboks versus France, which adds to the hype. The reality though is that the Sharks will be without key Bok players such as André Esterhuizen and Aphelele Fassi.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While respecting Dupont’s skills, Nche believes the battle up front will be decisive.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“French rugby is very much about the scrum and set piece, and Toulouse are probably the best team currently on their form,” Nche said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They are very adaptable, they are happy to try new tricks, but they have a system that works for them and won’t stray too much from what they do.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They’re really strong and when you think you’ve beaten them in one scrum, they come back at the next one, so it’s going to be a really good scrumming challenge, one I’m looking forward to.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“They have a lot of internationals and so do we. They play with French flair, they have a good set piece and they want to dominate their opponents physically.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“We will have to bring some of our expertise on what to expect and how we played against France. We’ve played against a lot of those guys, so there’s a lot of French rugby DNA and South African rugby DNA.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“It’s going to be a big and very exciting challenge.”</span>\r\n<h4><b>On the brink</b></h4>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2541579\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1179\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2541579\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2189969390.jpg\" alt=\"Tyrone Green of Harlequins and Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers compete for the ball\" width=\"1179\" height=\"1727\" /> <em>Tyrone Green of Harlequins (left) competes for the high ball against Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers during their Investec Champions Cup match in London, England, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Alex Davidson / Getty Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2541572\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1713\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-2541572\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TL_2318116.jpg\" alt=\"Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls in action against the Northampton Saints.\" width=\"1713\" height=\"1194\" /> <em>Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls breaks away on his way to score his try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Gordon Arons / Gallo Images)</em>[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it isn’t quite a knock-out game for the Sharks, the Stormers and Bulls are in a different situation.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defeat to the Sale Sharks in Cape Town will end any hopes the Stormers have of advancing to the play-offs after two defeats already. The same goes for the Bulls in their visit to French club Castres.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of the two, the Stormers arguably have the better chance of advancing just because they are at home against Sale and, given the momentum they picked up through two good United Rugby Championship (URC) derby wins over Christmas, a full house of five log points is distinctly possible.</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-20-big-local-urc-derbies-will-shape-the-campaigns-for-south-african-clubs-this-weekend/\">Big local URC derbies will shape the campaigns for South African clubs this weekend</a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That will leave them knowing what to do when they visit Racing 92 for their last group game. If the Stormers lose to Sale, that game will become a dead rubber. Victory on Saturday will mean they go to France with everything on the line.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the game coming a week before the important URC clash with Leinster in Dublin, the Western Cape side will also be able to treat their trip north as a full tour.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the Bulls, the immediate task is more difficult as they are away from home, but they can use as their motivation for their game against Castres the memory of how unlucky they were not to beat Lyon away from home with an understrength team last season.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they do get across the line against Castres they are in the top four in Pool 3 and will have the carrot of knowing that a win over Stade Francais in their final group game at Loftus will be enough to secure them an advance. </span><b>DM</b>\r\n<h4><b>DHL Stormers vs Sale Sharks</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 3pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Ludovic Cayre</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Hollywoodbets Sharks vs Toulouse</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 5.15pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Luke Pearce</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Castres Olympique vs Vodacom Bulls</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: Stade Pierre Fabre, Castres</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 10pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Matthew Carley</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>EPCR Challenge Cup Round 3:</b></h4>\r\n<h4><b>Montpellier vs Emirates Lions</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Saturday, 11 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: GGL Stadium, Montpellier</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 7.30pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Ben Breakspear</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>\r\n<h4><b>Toyota Cheetahs vs Zebre Parma</b></h4>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date: Sunday, 12 January</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue: NRCA Stadium, Amsterdam</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SA Time: 3pm</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Referee: Peter Martin</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TV: SuperSport</span>",
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"summary": "After a short festive season break, South Africa’s leading clubs won’t be easing slowly back into action as they all face potential elimination from Europe’s top competition. Antoine Dupont is also making a rare southern hemisphere appearance.",
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Antoine Dupont of Stade Toulousain runs in to score his side’s first try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Exeter Chiefs in Exeter, England, on December 15, 2024. (Photo:Dan Mullan / Getty Images)
Tyrone Green of Harlequins (left) competes for the high ball against Seabelo Senatla of the Stormers during their Investec Champions Cup match in London, England, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Alex Davidson / Getty Images)
Marcell Coetzee of the Bulls breaks away on his way to score his try during the Investec Champions Cup match against Northampton Saints at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, South Africa, on 14 December 2024. (Photo: Gordon Arons / Gallo Images)