Heated Debate Erupts Over Claims of Dupont as Rugby’s GOAT
(May 28, 2024 – BBC Rugby Union)
The intense debate surrounding last weekend’s thrilling Investec Champions Cup final between Toulouse and Leinster has continued on The Rugby Pod, with co-hosts Jim Hamilton and Andy Goode engaging in a spirited discussion over whether scrum-half Antoine Dupont can be considered the greatest rugby player of all time.
Both former internationals were present at the showpiece event in Tottenham, with Hamilton serving as a RugbyPass TV presenter and as part of the EPCR player of the year judging panel, while Goode was there as a sponsor’s ambassador. Following Toulouse’s extra-time victory, Hamilton and ex-Ireland forward Bernard Jackman suggested on their live post-game RugbyPass TV analysis that Dupont, the player of the tournament, could lay claim to being the GOAT.
“He [Dupont] can tackle, he can turnover, he can sit people down, he can bang, he can make breaks, he can kick off both feet, his tactical game is ridiculous. He has got absolutely everything,” Goode conceded. “Is he the greatest of all time? He’s in the conversation. Different generations. Jonah Lomu was the greatest of all time in my opinion.”
Hamilton, who has a proven track record of identifying top emerging talents, passionately defended his stance, highlighting Dupont’s exceptional influence across various facets of the game, including his work at the breakdown and kicking abilities. However, Goode suggested that winning a World Cup could be a defining factor in cementing one’s status as the GOAT.
“It’s hard to say and people will say he [Dupont] hasn’t won a World Cup, all this stuff. Dan Carter has won one himself. He was involved in another one, so he has got two World Cup winners medals. Richie McCaw was captain for the two,” Goode pointed out.
As the debate continues to rage among rugby enthusiasts, the remarkable talents of players like Dupont, Carter, and Lomu ensure that discussions around the game’s all-time greats will remain a constant source of fascination for the sport’s passionate global fanbase.
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