Hosts France seek World Cup glory with Dupont the spark

France enter their home 2023 Rugby World Cup as one of the tournament favourites. 

Led by Antoine Dupont, Les Bleus are leading a Northern Hemisphere revival. 

The last time a Six Nations side won the World Cup was in 20003 through England. 

For more sports news, visit the News24 Sport front page.

The last team from the Six Nations to win the Webb Ellis Trophy was England in 2003, when an extra-time drop-goal by Jonny Wilkinson sealed victory in Sydney over an Australian side coached by Eddie Jones.

Since then, the trophy has remained firmly in the South Hemisphere: South Africa won in 2007 and 2019, while New Zealand triumphed in 2011 and 2015.

The time seems ripe for France, however, with Dupont key to a resurgence under coach Fabien Galthie, who has employed eye-pleasing tactics based around free-running backs and a disciplined pack.

While the loss of flyhalf Romain Ntamack to injury is a blow, France boast a deep squad with a consistency in selection often missing in previous campaigns.

"We've never been so well prepared," Dupont told AFP. "We have won 80 percent of our matches and the Six Nations in 2022.

"We have a promising generation of talented players who have gained experience and continuity in the backbone of the team. That hasn't been the case over the last 10 years.

"So all systems are go. What's more, we're lucky enough to be hosting the competition, so we're hoping for public support."

The last major global sports event on French soil before next year's Paris Olympics will be held in nine venues across France, which previously hosted the 2007 World Cup and also staged several matches as joint hosts of the 1991 edition.

All eyes will be glued on a dream start to the tournament when France play the three-time