The Champions Cup pits the best two scrumhalves in the world against each other; victory could depend on which manages to exert more influence
Leinster v Toulouse : Jamison Gibson-Park v Antoine Dupont is decisive duel in Champions Cup finalNamechecked by team-mates and opponents, the pair are regularly mentioned in any conversation about the pinnacle of scrumhalf play. Former Wales and Lions captain Sam Warburton declared: “If Antoine Dupont wasn’t on this planet, then we’d be saying this guy’s the best number nine in the world by a mile.
Dupont missed the Six Nations so that he could lay the groundwork for a temporary switch to Sevens. He played two tournaments on the World Series and in Los Angeles helped France to a first title in 19 years. After the Champions Cup, he’ll return to the Sevens enclave to prepare for the Paris Olympics.
Even by his astronomical standards his numbers in this season’s Champions Cup are hugely impressive and represent the diverse brilliance of his contribution. Munster were also effective in largely curtailing his influence in the 2022 quarter-final that Toulouse won on a penalty shoot-out, harassing and scragging him at every breakdown, counter-rucking aggressively.
Toulouse's Thibaud Flament attempts to charge down a kick from Leinster's Jamison Gibson-Park during last year's Champions Cup semi-final. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images
Toulouse Champions-Cup Jamison-Gibson-Park Antoine-Dupont
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Leinster v Toulouse to clash for first time in Champions Cup finalThe competition's top two in terms of trophies won will collide at the Tottenham Stadium after dismissing English opposition in the semi-finals
Read more »
Toulouse beat Harlequins to book Champions Cup final date with LeinsterThe French side were 38-26 winners at Le Stadium.
Read more »
Leinster's Cullen relishing crack at catching Toulouse in Champions Cup finalOrganisers EPCR have confirmed that there are no general admission tickets left for sale, but the two clubs will receive an allocation of 3,000 tickets each
Read more »
Leinster-Toulouse final has the makings of a Champions Cup classicThe 25 May decider with see the competition’s two best teams face-off in London.
Read more »
Matt Williams: Leinster and Toulouse prepare for a battle royale in Champions Cup finalLes Toulousains are kings of unstructured attack, but do not underestimate the power of Leinster’s self-belief and bravery of spirit
Read more »
Matthew Carley to referee Leinster's Champions Cup final clash with ToulouseCarley’s assistants will be England’s Karl Dickson and Andrea Piardi of Italy.
Read more »