Kolisi backs 'amazing' Dupont at flyhalf in Champions Cup last 16

Racing 92's quest for a first Champions Cup title faces the hurdle of five-time winners Toulouse in the last 16 on Sunday, with Siya Kolisi's three-time runners-up expected to face France superstar Antoine Dupont in the unusual position of flyhalf.

Former World Rugby player of the year Dupont has excelled in the role in recent weeks, since being forced to fill in for absentees Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos.

Despite coming through as a flyhalf, 27-year-old Dupont has played the majority of his senior rugby career at scrumhalf.

"He's a natural, gifted rugby player. His mind and way he sees the game is absolutely different," South Africa's two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Kolisi told reporters on Wednesday,

"You have to be aware of everything. I think he's an amazing player, he's one in many generations.

"He can play anywhere on the field, I've always said that," the 32-year-old flanker added.

READ | Kolisi accepts he will lose Springboks captaincy: 'There's nothing I can do about that'

Kolisi joined Racing from the Durban-based Sharks, after lifting a second World Cup with the Springboks last October.

This weekend he makes a return from a month-long absence due to a thumb injury.

Toulouse have lost just three times at home in the top-tier continental competition in the past decade and are record 22-time French champions.

"They set the standard in the French league, so much history," Kolisi said.

"It's a perfect opportunity for us to see what we can do against them."

'Important' Le Garrec

Kolisi's outfit head south shorn of their starting scrumhalf in lively youngster Nolann Le Garrec, and with first-choice flyhalf Antoine Gibert and hooker Camille Chat also injury doubts.

Clovis Le Bail is set to make his first