Alastair Scrum’s half-brother John Cooney enjoys a high-profile shot with Antoine Dupont on Saturday in the first leg of the Heineken Champions Cup 16 final against Toulouse (15:15).
Dupont is currently the best player in the world and he also won the Six Nations MVP after helping France defend the Grand Slam.
The 25-year-old, who scored in the 30-24 win over Ireland in February, will be a huge threat at Toulouse.
Kony admits that Ulster will have to “deny” the impact of their opponent if they are to achieve a positive result next week before the rematch in Belfast.
“I’ve pressed the trumpets with DuPont a few times and he’s an amazing player,” he said.
“I’ve been watching him a lot in six countries lately and we all know what he can do. He can get things out of the blue, so I’m going to try to deny that in every way.
If we can keep him a little better than the other teams, that will be an advantage.”
When asked if there was any weakness in using DuPont in the explosive game, Connie replied, “I wouldn’t say anything to give him fuel!
His defensive play is amazing and he doesn’t have all the credit he should have because his offensive play is so good.
“He can also kick the ball away from the kid. “He’s a great player, but if we focus on him a lot, we can leave room for others.”
This poses a threat to France’s creative defensive line, which also includes fellow Grand Slam champion Romain Netmak and daring defender Thomas Ramos.
While Kone believes Ulster’s last two games are in South Africa, two defeats to the Stormers and the Bulls will intensify their battle for the Test.
“I think it was really good preparation,” he said. “The temperatures we played in and trained in there and also at very high altitudes.
“The South African teams are very similar to the French team in the way they play with very physical packages, good shots and dangerous threats.”
(Photo: INPHO/James Crombie)
In the knockout stage in Europe, decided in two games in total, Kony said: “It’s really unusual and I’ve never played in a match like this before.
“The overall result will be interesting and the decisions will be a little different and tactical throughout the match.
“You will think about it a little more, are you trying to get points?”
Winger Robert Balcon, who missed both games in South Africa, is back in 15th for McFarland, while Ben Mocsham is making his European debut in the second winger.
Ulster:deep voice; Balcone, Hume; McCluskey, McSham; Burns, Connie. O’Sullivan, herring, berries; O’Connor, Henderson; Marco Rea, Timoni, Vermaelen.
Toulouse:Ramos. Malia, Holmes; Ahki, Label; Natamaki, DuPont. Netell, Mwaka, Aldger; R.O. Arnold, Meafu; Elstadt, Flament, Cros.
Subscribe to our free sports newsletter To get the latest headlines in your inbox.
Source: Belfastlive
I am an experienced and passionate journalist with a strong track record in news website reporting. I specialize in technology coverage, breaking stories on the latest developments and trends from around the world. Working for Today Times Live has given me the opportunity to write thought-provoking pieces that have caught the attention of many readers.
