Antoine Dupont says France have 'a lot of regrets' after dramatic Six Nations defeat to England - 'We were frustrated'
By Leon Imber
Published 08/02/2025 at 21:43 GMT
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Antoine Dupont shared France's disappointment over missed chances in their dramatic 26-25 defeat to England in the Six Nations on Saturday. Dupont was guilty of spurning an effort in the first half, as he fumbled a seemingly routine take from Thomas Ramos' pass, in what surely would have culminated in a try. Elliot Daly went on to score a last-gasp try to win the electric encounter.
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Video credit: SNTV
Antoine Dupont said France have "a lot of regrets" after missing key chances to establish a big lead in their 26-25 Six Nations defeat to England.
Dupont uncharacteristically fumbled an effort to open the scoring midway through the first half, while moments later, Damian Penaud spurned a routine catch, which would have set him on course to cross the whitewash.
Despite their lack of a clinical edge, Les Bleus looked to have snatched the victory when Louis Bielle-Biarrey raced over the line four minutes from time, putting France six points ahead.
But a late move spearheaded by debutant Fin Smith, and capped off by Elliot Daly stole an epic win for Steve Borthwick's side - their first against France since 2021 - leaving the visitors to rue their earlier missed chances.
"There is a lot of frustration and regret when you look at the first half," Dupont said. "We should have scored at least two or three more tries.
"We created a lot of chances. We did the hard part, but we did not score. It was 7-7 and they were assured. They scored on their chances. We lost the match there.
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"We still had the chance to win it. We didn't manage it. It was an arm wrestle at the end and we lost that. There are a lot of regrets considering the match and the performance."
Dupont said it was "difficult to explain" France's mistakes inside England's 22, putting the errors down to "technical" shortcomings.
"It's difficult to explain," the Frenchman said. "When you drop the ball 10 meters from the line, it's not haste but technical errors. We were frustrated, not annoyed or irritated."
Borthwick: England's 'ceiling is so high'
England coach Borthwick was full of praise for his youthful side, as a strong show of character saw them relentlessly fight from behind in the frenetic encounter.
And he feels his side's performance highlights the bright future of English rugby.
"I'm delighted for the players and happy for the supporters who are always magnificent behind this team," Borthwick told ITV. "It was a special atmosphere.
"You want things to happen instantly. This England team is going to be a good England team and there's a lot of talent.
"The ceiling is so high and what you've got to do is keep working hard.
"Again, bravery and courage with the ball - they're a team who want to score tries. We scored four tries against a brilliant French defence and restricted them to three tries.
"It was a great Test match - I'm sure everyone watching at home enjoyed it."
When asked about the influence of Player of the Match Fin Smith, Borthwick added: "Really pleased for him in his first start. Tom Willis, exceptional again. This is an evolving team and it is a young team - there's a high amount of potential."
England return to action on February 22 against Scotland, as their hunt for a first Six Nations title since 2020 continues.
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