Antoine Dupont at No. 10: the new split with Lucu

Antoine Dupont will start against South Africa at fly-half, wearing No. 10, while Maxime Lucu will be the scrum-half at No. 9. In the most familiar sequence, that puts Lucu close to the source of the ball, responsible for moving it away quickly, and Dupont on the next pass, positioned to choose how the attack continues. That is the basic difference viewers can look for—without assuming that every move will follow this pattern.

The change was announced after Romain Ntamack’s injury against Fiji. The selection is confirmed; the precise division of passing, kicking, carrying and decision-making has not been disclosed.

The basic route from No. 9 to No. 10

In a typical sequence after a ruck—the point where players contest and protect the ball on the ground—the scrum-half stands near its base. The basic task is to remove the ball and decide whether to pass, run or kick. When the usual pass to the back line is chosen, the fly-half is often the first recipient.

The No. 10 receives farther away from the concentration of players. From there, the fly-half can distribute to other players, attack space or use a kick. In simple terms, the No. 9 organises the ball’s exit; the No. 10 frequently selects its next route.

This is a beginner’s map, not a rule governing every play. The defensive formation, speed of possession and positions left by the previous action can alter who arrives first, who passes and who makes the following decision.

What changes with Lucu and Dupont

The team published by Top 14/LNR confirms Lucu at No. 9 and Dupont at No. 10. The initial viewing point therefore changes: rather than routinely looking for Dupont beside the ruck, viewers should see whether Lucu occupies that space and Dupont presents himself farther out for the next pass.

This does not mean Dupont will always remain far from the ball, Lucu will make every first pass or the No. 10 will take every kick. Players can be displaced after a tackle, carry or rapid sequence. A pattern becomes meaningful only when repeated across several possessions.

According to TF1 Info, Dupont has made eight club starts at fly-half, most recently against Pau on March 30, 2024. The choice is unusual but not unprecedented. The same source reports that Lucu played 46 minutes at fly-half in France’s 54–17 victory over Fiji.

Four signs to follow

The first is distribution after rucks. Watch who reaches the base and moves the ball. If Lucu repeatedly performs that task, he will be carrying out the most recognisable part of the scrum-half’s role.

The second is Dupont’s position before the pass. Waiting several metres farther out would give him more field ahead from which to assess the defence. Compare several plays: one appearance beside a ruck does not necessarily indicate a permanent switch.

The third is kicking. Identify not only who kicks but also where the player is standing and how much pressure is applied. A kick made because Dupont receives with time is different from an improvised solution by another player close to the ball.

The fourth is a possible exchange of roles. Lucu has recent experience at fly-half and Dupont has precedents there, but that does not prove an interchangeable partnership. Only repeated switches during the match would establish that observable pattern.

What the shirt numbers do not reveal

The numbers indicate the selected starting positions, not a closed script. The supplied sources do not specify who will direct every phase, take particular kicks or make decisions in every area of the field. Nor do they state that this combination will continue after the match.

Claims that Dupont will control the entire attack or Lucu will merely pass would therefore turn possibilities into facts. The verified information is narrower: France will start Lucu at scrum-half and Dupont at fly-half in the context of Ntamack’s absence.

A reshuffle extending beyond the pair

France have made other changes. The LNR confirms Julien Marchand in the starting team, Grégory Alldritt at No. 8 and François Cros back in the back row. Axel Desperes is among the replacements and could make his first France appearance.

That matters when reading the game: the quality of ball delivered to the No. 9–No. 10 partnership also depends on the preceding collective work. If possession emerges slowly or untidily from a ruck, Lucu and Dupont will have less time for their choices. Not every success or problem in attack can be attributed to either player alone.

Confirmed date and venue

France play South Africa on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 9:10 p.m., local time in Saint-Denis, at the Stade de France. The listed date, time and venue appear on the French Rugby Federation ticketing site and the official stadium event page.

No territorial broadcast source has been supplied for the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, so no channel or streaming availability is promised and no local-time conversion is offered. Schedules and ticket conditions can change and should be checked through official channels.