Ben marking his French rival as the most outstanding nine
BEN YOUNGS hopes facing the player who is redefining the role of a scrum-half will get the best out of him when England and France collide at Twickenham.
Youngs admits to having a deep admiration for Antoine Dupont as he prepares to face the dynamic 24-year-old for just the second time on Saturday.
Dupont, the 2020 player of the Six Nations, is the heartbeat of a resurgent France side and Youngs insists his unparalleled skill-set sets him apart from his rivals.
‘He’s really flying the flag for scrum-halves,’ said Youngs. ‘He’s the best scrum-half in the world and he’s probably one of the best players in the world. You look at Will Genia when he first burst on to the scene – he changed the way that nines play the game.
‘Fast-forward ten years and I think Antoine Dupont will do the same. He’s unique. Once the French pack gets rumbling he’s explosive around the ruck area.
‘He’s happy to take guys on and get through those bits of contact. His game management is very, very strong as well. He’s got the best of both worlds really. I don’t know where he’s going to end up.
‘In another seven or eight years he’s going to be incredible. I can recognise a serious player in my position when I see it, and I believe he’s the best scrum-half in the world. If someone like that doesn’t bring out the best in you when you get the opportunity to play against them, then...’
However 31-year-old Youngs, who is preparing to win his 108th cap, has no intention of attempting to copy Dupont.
‘As a half-back you have to remember that a lot of what you do is dictated to you by what happens in front of you,’ he said.
‘If your pack is rumbling and going forward, it’s easier to play than if the pack is getting punished and pushed back.
‘I’m not going to be Antoine Dupont, I’m not going to be an Aaron Smith. I’m going to be a Ben Youngs and the best version of myself.’