In recent years, Antoine Dupont has redefined the role of a scrum-half in rugby. With his impressive speed, agility, and vision, Dupont has often been touted as one of the best. But how does he measure up to legends like Aaron Smith, Fourie du Preez, and Joost van der Westhuizen?
Even aged 27 and without a World Cup to his name, Antoine Dupont is being talked about as arguably the world’s best rugby player. There is no doubt that in terms of hype, few scrumhalves to have ever played the game can come close to matching the skilled and versatile French star.
Whether or not he will go down in the history books as the greatest scrumhalf of all time once the hype is gone and he has wound down, however, remains to be seen.
Antoine Dupont: The Modern Maestro
Antoine Dupont has quickly become one of the most talked-about players in rugby. Known for his explosive acceleration and instinctive play, Dupont has elevated France (6.00). His strength allows him to tackle like a back-row forward, and his speed lets him take on defenders at will.
In attack, Dupont is unmatched in the current era. His support running, offloading skills, and vision make him a constant threat. He also has exceptional game management. Dupont reads situations quickly, often turning defensive positions into scoring opportunities.
However, Dupont’s career is still young. He needs consistency over time to match the longevity of his peers. Many believe he could reach that level, but he has more to prove.
Aaron Smith: Precision and Pace
New Zealand’s Aaron Smith is widely regarded as one of the best passers in rugby history. His crisp, accurate delivery has set the standard for scrum-halves worldwide. Smith’s speed around the ruck helped the All Blacks (3.50) maintain an aggressive attacking style and he has been sorely missed since retiring from international rugby after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
What makes Smith remarkable is his tactical intelligence. He knows when to kick, pass, or make a break, and he adjusts his play according to team needs. Smith also played a pivotal role in the All Blacks’ dominance over the last decade, winning numerous championships.
Similar in leadership to the former Wallabies (8.00) scrumhalf, George Gregan, Smith added an element of his own and had longevity at the top of the game that was arguably unparalleled. Gregan was starting scrumhalf for a similar timespan but not in such a dominant side.
While Dupont’s playing style is more physical, Smith’s strengths lie in his precision and decision-making. His skills have earned him respect as a playmaker, a standard Dupont is still working to reach.
Fourie du Preez: Tactical Genius
South African Fourie du Preez is celebrated for his tactical awareness and kicking game. Du Preez had an innate understanding of the game, reading defensive structures with ease. He was a master at setting up his forwards and knew when to switch the play.
Du Preez excelled under pressure. His calmness in high-stakes games helped the Springboks (4.00) win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. With his defensive solidity, Du Preez controlled matches in a way few scrum-halves could.
In comparison, Dupont plays with more flair, while Du Preez focused on structured play. Dupont’s creativity is impressive, but he has yet to match Du Preez’s mastery of tactical control.
Joost van der Westhuizen: Power and Versatility
Joost van der Westhuizen was an icon of South African rugby. His versatility allowed him to adapt his game to different situations, and his physicality set him apart. At 6’1”, van der Westhuizen could tackle like a loose forward, adding an extra layer of defence.
His ability to break the line made him a significant attacking threat. Known for his power and competitiveness, he was instrumental in South Africa’s 1995 World Cup victory. Van der Westhuizen’s play inspired a generation of scrum-halves to blend physicality with technical skill.
Dupont shares van der Westhuizen’s physicality and dynamism, yet he must prove his longevity. Van der Westhuizen’s legacy was built over a long career, which Dupont will need to emulate to reach comparable status.
Dupont’s Path to Greatness
Antoine Dupont is undoubtedly one of the most talented scrum-halves in rugby history. His speed, strength, and creativity have redefined the role for the modern era. Yet, when compared to legends like Aaron Smith, Fourie du Preez, and Joost van der Westhuizen, Dupont still has more to prove.
Dupont has the potential to become the greatest, but consistency and longevity will be essential. As he continues to develop, rugby fans eagerly await to see if he can match the legacies of the game’s all-time greats.
Van der Westhuizen, du Preez and Smith were dominant scrumhalves in their respective generations and Dupont is the latest to follow in their footsteps. Now, he needs a Rugby World Cup title to cement his legacy among the three former world champions and the likes of George Gregan, who also won the World Cup.