Antoine Dupont v Conor Murray: A closer look at the scrum-half head-to-head

France star Antoine Dupont and experienced Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray are set to go up against each other during Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash in Dublin.

Les Bleus are seeking to build on a resounding 50-10 victory over Italy, while the Irish are bidding to bounce back after a frustrating 21-16 loss to Wales.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at one of the key duels that could help determine the outcome at the Aviva Stadium.

Antoine Dupont v Conor Murray
Antoine Dupont v Conor Murray

Position: Scrum-half
Age: 24
Caps: 28
Debut: v Italy, 2017
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 13st 5lbs
Points: 40 (8t)
Win percentage: 57.14 per cent

Diminutive in stature, quick-thinking Dupont is capable of a moment of magic every time he touches the ball. The classy 24-year-old is arguably the sport’s leading number nine and, based on current form, considered in some quarters to be the best player on the planet. He became the first French winner of the Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2020 and his eye-catching performances continued in Saturday’s thumping win in Rome. The creative Toulouse man possesses electric line-breaking abilities, accurate kicking skills, supreme self-confidence and should remain a focal point for Les Bleus for many years to come.

Conor Murray – Ireland

Position: Scrum-half
Age: 31
Caps: 88
Debut: v France, 2011
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 14st 7lbs
Points: 95 (14t, 5p, 5c)
Win percentage: 56.81 per cent

has already won three Six Nations titles
Ireland’s Conor Murray has already won three Six Nations titles (Adam Davy/PA)

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