Sport

Antoine Dupont named the greatest men’s rugby player in the world right now

Published

1 month ago

December 15, 2024

FRENCH rugby star Antoine Dupont has been named as the number one player in the world right now, following the release of a new ranking, the world’s ‘Top 100 Men’s Rugby Players 2024’, compiled by leading global rugby site, RugbyPass.

Dupont, the talismanic scrum half, with 55 international caps, has been at the heart of recent successes for France and his club team, Toulouse. Dupont also recently helped his nation win Gold in the Rugby Sevens at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

In second place is Cheslin Kolbe, who played a crucial role in the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup 2023 win, with his compatriots, Pieter-Steph du Toit, (3rd) and Eben Etzebeth (4th), and with New Zealand star, Ardie Savea, making up the top five.

South Africa has the highest share of players (18), followed by New Zealand (17), Ireland (14). France see 11 players represented. Elsewhere, other nations represented include England (8), Argentina (7), Australia (7), Scotland (7), Italy (4), Fiji (4), Wales (3) and Georgia (1).

The three players from Wales who made the cut are Tomos Williams, who just sneaks onto the list in 99^th place, Dewi Lake in 83^rd position and Jac Morgan with a respectable finish in 57^th. Speaking about Morgan’s inclusion, Welsh journalist Owain Jones said: “In 2024, his growing influence was dimmed due to a knee injury and Wales’ fortunes plummeted. He returned for the Autumn Nations Series where he was one of Wales’ shining lights in a tortuous campaign.”

Commenting on Dupont claiming top spot, former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie, said: “I think that was the only choice. He’s absolutely outrageous every single week and he’s a great boy as well which makes it even better. He’s inspired an entire rugby nation.

“Everyone knows who Antoine Dupont is from his success with Sevens at the Olympics and his success with Toulouse domestically – doing a double again last year, he has been a phenomenon and he still is. I think we’re lucky to get to watch him play every single weekend here in France in the Top 14, but also when he graces the international scene. He’s a pure joy to watch and he’s everything positive that you want in a rugby player.

“The way he gets you out of the seat and his personality off field and the way he leads, all of it, and that’s without even getting into how he actually plays the game. The explosive power that he has for a man of his size, his vision, his ability to see things other people can’t, his rugby IQ, his decision making, his ability to kick off each foot as well as the other, which is unseen. His ability to offload, to jackal, to create turnovers like a back rower, he is the most complete rugby player I think that we have ever seen.”

Despite the heavy Springbok representation, there was also praise from South African legend Jean De Villiers, who said: “If you take Antoine Dupont in isolation and see what he’s done in the past, maybe not the Autumn Nation Series – it wasn’t quite the impact he had previously – and obviously moving over to the Sevens for a stage as well makes it difficult. But, isolating him as a player and having seen what he’s done before, having seen his skillset, his defensive abilities, his rucking ability, his attacking ability, his kicking, his decision making, he really does have everything when it comes to being a number nine. So, let’s just say I’m ‘comfortable’ with him being number one!”

Former French star, Benjamin Kayser who made 47 appearances for this country, said: “Antoine Dupont, for me, he’s a Michael Jordan type of athlete. I’m totally biased of course, but I reckon in 50 years’ time people will talk about how they were a part of the Antoine Dupont era and how they got to see him play live.

“I think it’s the way that he plays. He’s a small man but he’s a silent assassin, he never yells, he never screams, and I think people really respect his attitude. He’s so calm and collected, never mouthy or arrogant, you never see him celebrate, chant, push, or be annoying. He’s just an absolute machine.

“Tell me one other time in the history of rugby where it’s absolutely unanimous from the players, in the northern and southern hemisphere, where everyone will say that he’s the best player in the world – it just doesn’t exist.

“The other week I was surrounded by footballers who knew nothing about rugby but every single one of them knew Antoine Dupont. They know where he plays, his position, what he looks like, it’s just mad.”

Kayser also believes that some French players were a little bit lucky to be ranked in their respective positions. He said: “Grégory Alldritt. I love the bloke, but I think you’re actually being quite generous putting him at 33. He didn’t have his best international season. He’s tired. I love the bloke but maybe in 2023, he would’ve been top 10 in the world, he was outstanding back then.

“I think Charles Ollivon at 43, is way too generous. It’s really nice of the writers but he hasn’t played. He’s been dropped too, so to put him in with the best players of 2024 is questionable.”

Looking ahead, both Beattie and Kayser gave their views on their ones to watch for next year’s list. Beattie, said: “There’s one lad who maybe caught a few eyes during the Autumn Nations Series and I’ve been watching him play for Bordeaux because I work closely on Top 14 rugby – Louis Bielle-Biarrey at 58. He already for me is in the top 30, maybe even the top 20 players in the world…He is a balanced runner and he’s sort of wise in rugby terms way beyond his years as well.”

Kayser says “Wallace Sititi is going to be a phenomenal player for the next ten years. He is an absolute freak of nature and I can’t wait to see him play again. Number 14, for me, is a bit high at this point though. He barely rocked up four months ago, people were only just discovering him last summer.”

Sport

Dragons’ defeat to Pau dents their European ambitions

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2025

Staff Writer

The Dragons’ European ambitions suffered a setback with a home defeat to Pau in Newport. This loss has intensified the pressure on the team as they prepare for a crucial match in South Africa. Having dented their hopes, the team now faces an uphill battle to recover. from it.

Match overview

In the recent game, the Dragons were unable to secure a victory against Pau. Despite a strong start, they couldn’t maintain their performance throughout the match. Pau capitalised on their opportunities, making it difficult for the Dragons to regain control. The team was unable to close out crucial moments of the game, which led to their downfall.

Before the match, the Dragons were given odds of 10/11 while Pau were given even odds. With Rugby Union matches now attracting a lot more online sports betting, according to senior editor Ian Bruce, many new and exciting sites are available to UK punters looking for some rugby betting action. Punters can visit and compare a range of the best sites here, being assured that they are safe and cover a wide array of sports and odds, with some offering added perks like instant payouts.

For punters betting on the Dragons, with this loss, their chances of progressing in the European competition are now uncertain. The Dragons will need to reassess their strategy and tighten up their play in the upcoming fixtures. Their performance was a reminder of how competitive European rugby can be and how small mistakes can lead to significant consequences. The result leaves them with a tough challenge ahead if they are to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

Key moments

Aaron Wainwright, keeping up his form from last year, and Rio Dyer, did their best for the Dragons. Their efforts were commendable, but the team’s overall performance fell short. Wainwright showed his typical work rate, making key tackles and contributing in the forward pack.

Dyer, on the other hand, was dynamic in attack, creating several opportunities. However, their individual brilliance wasn’t enough to lift the team as a whole. Key mistakes at crucial moments, such as turnovers and missed tackles, allowed Pau to exploit gaps in the Dragons’ defence.

In particular, the Dragons struggled in the breakdown area, where Pau won vital turnovers. Despite individual highlights, the team’s overall execution lacked consistency, which cost them the game. This match showcased how even with standout players, team performance is crucial for success at this level of competition.

Looking ahead

The Dragons now face a critical game in South Africa. This match is vital for their European hopes. A win is essential to keep their ambitions alive. They cannot afford another slip-up, especially in a tournament as competitive as the European Champions Cup. The team needs to make adjustments in key areas, particularly their decision-making under pressure and their discipline.

The match will be a true test of their character and ability to bounce back from adversity. The Dragons have shown resilience in the past, but this game will be a significant marker of whether they can push through and stay in the competition. They will need to focus on their strengths, play with intensity, and avoid the mistakes that have hurt them recently.

News

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association results

Published

4 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

THE RESULTS of the catch-up games played over the Christmas/New Year period are as follows:

Llanteg 10 – 0 Hundleton
Reynalton 8 – 2 Badgers
Cosheston 10 – 0 St Twynnells

Updated League Table

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	10	9	0	1	127	74
Carew	10	7	1	2	86	65
Reynalton	11	7	0	4	31	62
Hundleton	11	6	0	5	65	60
St Johns	10	7	0	3	69	58
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	9	3	0	6	-22	44
St Twynnells	11	3	0	8	-108	41
Badgers	9	3	1	5	36	40
Kilgetty	10	3	0	7	-85	40
Lamphey	10	1	0	9	-155	22

Singles tournament success

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the singles tournament this weekend. After a competitive Round Robin in the morning, players were divided into red and blue streams for the afternoon knockout stages.

Red Stream Winner: Simon Hall (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Andrew Maclean (East Williamston)
Blue Stream Winner: Margaret Richards (Reynalton)
- Runner-up: Chris Clarkson (Lamphey)

Upcoming event

The next tournament will be the Doubles, held at Heatherton on Saturday, 15th February. Entry forms will be distributed shortly once details are finalized.

Sport

Pembrokeshire Second Division Match Report – January 11, 2025

Published

4 days ago

January 13, 2025

Herald Sport

A THILLING weekend of football in Pembrokeshire’s Second Division delivered key results that tightened the race for promotion and intensified the relegation battle.

Narberth 2-0 Hakin United II

Narberth bolstered their title aspirations with a commanding 2-0 victory over league leaders Hakin United II. Brychan David broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, and Jordan Williams secured the win with a second goal. The result leaves Narberth just two points behind Hakin in a hotly contested title race.

Merlins Bridge II 0-2 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports continued their march towards a top-three finish, claiming a vital 2-0 win away at Merlins Bridge II. Ieuan Llewellyn coolly converted a penalty to give Fishguard the lead, while Luke Thomas added a second to seal the victory. With games in hand, Fishguard remain firmly in contention at the top end of the table.

Lawrenny 1-2 Neyland

Neyland edged a close contest against Lawrenny with a 2-1 win that keeps their top-half ambitions alive. Thomas Cole scored for the home side, but goals from Aidan Rees and Jack John secured all three points for Neyland in a hard-fought encounter.

Monkton Swifts II 1-7 Johnston

Johnston produced a dominant performance, thrashing Monkton Swifts II 7-1. Ryan Doyle netted twice, with further goals from Steve Allen, James Larsen, Marcus Allen, Callum Rees, and Joey George. The emphatic victory consolidates Johnston’s strong campaign, while Monkton Swifts II remain perilously close to the relegation zone.

Carew II 3-3 Solva

Carew II and Solva played out a dramatic 3-3 draw in a match filled with excitement. George Davies scored twice for Carew, with Charlie Perkins also on target. Solva responded with two goals from Josh Bland and an own goal that levelled the match. Both sides remain stuck in mid-table, with the result doing little to ease their relegation concerns.