France's rugby captain Antoine Dupont has publicly defended the conduct of his team following their narrow 25-24 defeat to New Zealand in the 2025 Rugby World Cup final. The statement, "Nous nous sommes comportés en hommes sur le terrain" (We conducted ourselves as men on the field), was made in a post-match press conference, addressing criticism of the team's physical and disciplined approach during the high-stakes match.
The final, held at Twickenham Stadium in London on November 1, 2025, was a tightly contested affair decided by a last-minute penalty from All Blacks fly-half Damian McKenzie. Post-match analysis focused heavily on the intense forward battle and France's aggressive defensive strategy, which some pundits argued bordered on ill-discipline, though the team received only two yellow cards.
Dupont, the 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year, emphasized that his team played with passion and within the spirit of the game, despite the heartbreaking loss. World Rugby's official match report noted the final was played at a ferocious intensity but commended both teams for their sportsmanship. The defeat marked France's third loss in a Rugby World Cup final, having previously been runners-up in 1987 and 2011.
