13 November 2026
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has identified France's halfback combination as a primary tactical focus ahead of Friday's Nations Championship Test at the Stade de France. Speaking at a pre-match media briefing in Paris, Stick outlined how South Africa plans to manage the selection of Antoine Dupont at flyhalf alongside scrumhalf Maxime Lucu.
"It’s a tough challenge to prepare for France, especially now with the team they selected for this match with Maxime [Lucu] partnering [Antoine] Dupont, who is named at flyhalf," Stick said.
French head coach Fabien Galthié named captain Dupont in the No. 10 jersey due to injuries to several frontline flyhalves. Stick noted that both Dupont and Lucu possess the experience to interchange roles throughout general play, creating a unique defensive test as fatigue sets in.
"When it comes to physicality, we know one thing for sure: France will always bring it. They’ve got very good physical players, especially among their forwards, but 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. So, we know what they want to achieve."
Stick added that tracking these positional switches will demand high concentration from the Springbok defenders deep into the match.
"That will be the toughest challenge for us; they [Lucu and Dupont] are two different profiles, but if the players on the field are tired after 20 or 30 minutes, it will be difficult for them to navigate which player is in which position at that time," Stick explained. "And maybe after a couple of minutes they might switch positions again; that will be a big challenge."
South Africa's defensive approach will centre on restricting space for France's playmakers and quick outside backs. Stick pointed out that Lucu's distribution speed and Dupont's composure on the ball make them dangerous if given front-foot momentum.
"I know one thing for sure; they will have a licence to roam around and switch between positions. I looked at Lucu’s profile; he’s very good when it comes to game management and has a very good kicking game. He can also give time and space to his outside backs when it comes to clearing his base at the breakdown quickly," Stick said.
"And when it comes to Dupont in terms of time and space, he will stay on top of you, and he’s a difficult, tough player to deal with on the pitch. That said, if we allow that halfback combination time and space with the ball in hand, they have the potential to punish us, so our main focus point is to make sure we don’t allow that. They also have very dangerous outside backs, and they’ve selected very quick players."
"It’s no secret how we operate on defence. We have our strengths and weaknesses, and denying the opposition space will always be part of our plan. If you're playing against the best in the world, guys like Dupont and (Louis) Bielle-Biarrey have the potential to test you thoroughly if they have an opportunity to make their mark."
Stick emphasised that trusting defensive structures and winning the physical battle up front will determine the outcome. He noted that whichever forward pack secures dominance will provide the necessary platform for their backline.
"Also, you don’t want to allow teams to get on top of you, especially with playmakers like Lucu and Dupont. Dupont, in particular, will stay on top of you, and he’s very good at making decisions under pressure, and on the other side you have Lucu, who is probably one of the best in game management, and he has a good kicking game," Stick said.
"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."
"But if we make sure that our systems are in place and ensure we win the numbers game, we’ll be able to handle whichever challenge they throw at us, but Dupont at 10 will be a good challenge for us."
