5 key talking points ahead of a challenging French test for Wales

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Antoine Dupont – a master at work Wales attack coach Alex King has compared the France captain’s influence on international rugby with that of New Zealand superstar Dan Carter, who enjoyed a stellar All Blacks career across 112 Test matches. World player of the year accolade and a Six Nations Grand Slam nestling in his career portfolio, Dupont could now lead France to a first World Cup triumph on home soil in just over seven months’ time. Since he left after the 2019 World Cup, though, France have won a Six Nations Grand Slam and toppled the likes of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Ireland in Paris. The World Cup countdown to France 2023 continues, and new players have emerged like centres Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins, wing Rio Dyer, lock Dafydd Jenkins and flanker Jac Morgan, while others currently injured – Dewi Lake, Will Rowlands and Josh Navidi – Gatland will hope can come under consideration.