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Antoine Dupont will look to become the Olympic champions once again as the seven-year-old captains France to another domestic and European double as Toulouse lead the side to victory on Saturday (AEST).
Dupont, who played alongside World Cup Wallaby Richie Arnold, scored twice in the first half, including a stunning individual try from a set-piece, as Toulouse cruised to a crushing 59-3 win over Bordeaux.
After Maxime Lucu put Bordeaux on the scoreboard early, the European Cup champions, who had scored nine tries in front of a crowd of 67,000 at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, completely collapsed.
Toulouse’s loss of the ball in added time and Ange Capuoso’s run to finish a coast-to-coast try put an exclamation point on what would be the most dominant top 14 final win of all time.
Dupont, who broke France’s World Series sevens drought after showing his intention to play in the Olympics earlier this year and was named World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2021, was named the match’s best player.
The 27-year-old was adept in the rout, his second try coming from a chip-and-chase after a set-piece run through the heart of the Bordeaux defence, another example of his pace, strength and knack for finding his way to the try line.
“I’m very happy. It’s amazing for the history of the club and these people.” Dupont told Canal+.
“I think I’ve accomplished much more than I ever dreamed of when I was young.
“You have to realize that, but not to the point where you don’t keep dreaming,” he added.
Despite being without French star Cyril Baille and Australian Emmanuel Meafou, Bordeaux were completely outclassed by Toulouse, who won their fourth Bouclier de Brennus since 2019.
The 56-point victory continued Arnold’s impressive run since he first joined the French heavyweight division in 2019.
Arnold, who played his 100th game for Toulouse earlier this year, said ahead of the match that the French club were building a dynasty.
“Honestly, I’ve seen this club grow,” Arnold said.
“We brought in world-class foreign boys, but thanks to the coaches we kept a core group of French boys together.
“That was the core of this group.
“I remember when I first came here, Roman (Ntamack) and (Australia’s) Zach Holmes were playing for him. He was 12 years old and when I saw his back picture, he was a really fresh-faced 19-year-old.
“We’re talking about building a dynasty here and hopefully we can have a double dynasty.
“I was lucky enough to win the double with Rory in 2021. The goal for this group is to do it again.”
And by ensuring fellow Australians Adam Coleman, Kane Douglas and Pete Samou don’t get that chance.