Dupont focusing on France's winning form as World Cup looms

France captain Antoine Dupont admitted Friday that the Rugby World Cup his country will host next year looms large, but insisted the focus was on continuing his side's fine form that has seen them notch up 10 straight wins.

The Six Nations champions take on Autumn Series Tests against Australia, South Africa and Japan from next weekend, with Dupont saying there had been no talk of the 2023 World Cup.

"Everyone has it in mind, but we're not talking about it for the moment," the Toulouse scrum-half told AFP.

"We are first preparing to win these (November) Tests, to continue to grow together, to increase our experience as a squad and to gain in maturity because we remain a young team.

"We are preparing for these games in this spirit and the World Cup will come very quickly behind."

France last tasted defeat at the hands of the Wallabies in July 2021, going undefeated in last Autumn's games plus the Six Nations and on their Summer tour of Japan.

"We are much more expected than two years ago. Our results speak for us, we will no longer have any element of surprise," Dupont admitted.

"It is up to us to respond to this status. As favourites, I don't know, but as a team that can perform, let's say.

"We are aware of it, we have to assume that and play at our level when we are on the field."

Dupont's performances saw him crowned world player of the year, but the half-back insisted that he had come to terms with the increased notoriety.

"It came gradually, not overnight, I was able to adapt," he said, adding that his eye was always on his performance on the pitch.

"I am very demanding with myself so I know that if I am less good the fans and every rugby onlooker will be there to come down on me, but me too, so there is no problem with that."