France Fans Demand Ban as Shocking New Angle of Antoine Dupont Clearout Goes Viral
Rugby NewsSaturday, 08 March 2025 at 16:27
A fresh angle of Tadhg Beirne’s controversial challenge on Antoine Dupont has sparked a furious backlash from French fans.
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The French captain was forced off the field after what seemed like a serious knee injury, and this new footage has only fueled the fire.
Reckless Challenge
In the video, it’s clear that Beirne's tackle was reckless — off his feet and with his arm tucked. The footage doesn’t paint a pretty picture for the Irish forward.
Furious Reactions
One enraged fan slammed: “Arm tucked and straight off feet, what a mess.”
Another wasn’t holding back either: “Looks awful on that angle, that’s gonna hurt.”
A third chimed in with: “Leg breaker. Straight off feet as per normal. Despicable.”
And yet another claimed: “Clear targeting of the standing leg of Dupont. That’s beyond reckless.”
More Outrage
One fan added: “That’s a red card all day long. This should’ve been dealt with on the spot.”
Another said: “How is this not being talked about more? A potential season-ender.”
Backlash Grows
It’s clear the French faithful aren’t going to let this one slide. Could this be a turning point in Beirne's reputation?
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Ireland player ratings vs France:
1. Andrew Porter - 7
Worked hard for 69 physical minutes, as always. Almost certain to start for the Lions.
2. Dan Sheehan - 7
One of the few Ireland stars to stay in the fight. Exited with Porter and will surely start alongside him in the summer.
3. Finlay Bealham - 4
Impressed in the first three rounds but struggled to make an impact today. Off just before the hour mark.
4. Joe McCarthy - 6
A silly yellow card for blatantly holding off the ball. Put in a big shift on both sides of the ball before being replaced by Ryan on 57 minutes.
5. Tadhg Beirne - 6
The only Irish forward to last the full 80 minutes. Workmanlike as always, but as he fatigued, he was unable to make headway against the second French pack.
6. Peter O'Mahony - 4
One last home run-out for the veteran. Will be disappointed with his work rate as his side fell apart shortly after he departed for Conan.
7. Josh Van Der Flier - 6
Seven tackles and carries apiece as he battled against a heavy French pack. Replaced by Baird as part of the double back-row switch on 48 minutes but returned for Doris' late HIA.
8. Calean Doris (c) - 8
The captain never has a bad game and led the way with carries and turnovers. His leadership was desperately missed after he left for an HIA, which he failed concerningly for his team.
9. Jamison Gibson-Park - 6
Despite the buildup over his head-to-head with a certain Frenchman, he never really lived up to the occasion and struggled to maintain control.
10. Sam Prendergast - 5
Knows how to unleash Ireland's attack. It was a mixed bag with the boot, despite nailing a penalty from halfway to close the first period, thanks to some wasteful kicking from hand. Questions remain over his defence.
11. Calvin Nash - 5
A late call-up for James Lowe. Worked hard to contain France's deadly backline, but a high shot earned him 10 minutes on the sideline.
12. Bundee Aki - 6
55 very physical minutes for the hulking centre while also showing clean hands to unleash the back three on occasion. He was sorely missed after departing.
13. Robbie Henshaw - 5
Very little to say as he spent most of the game defending.
14. Jamie Osborne - 5
Trusted as the centre-cum-wing in the absence of Ringrose. Used his left boot to clear well but was found out defensively a few times and didn’t enjoy being dumped near his own line.
15. Hugo Keenan - 6
Dazzled as he often does, with the second-highest number of carries in green. He was unable to influence the game as it progressed, as Ireland simply couldn’t get near the ball.
Replacements
16. Rob Herring - 5
17. Cian Healy - 5
Signed off from the Aviva with one last try.
18. Tom Clarkson - 4
19. James Ryan - 5
20. Jack Conan - 6
Scored a consolidation try after 80 minutes.
21. Ryan Baird - 5
22. Connor Murray - 6
The last of the triumvirate to say farewell.
23. Jack Crowley - 5
EDITORS PICKS:
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- Pat Lam linked with surprise international coaching job
- Join Greene King for the Six Nations
- 2025 Six Nations Title permutations: How England can still win
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