Antoine Dupont scores first Sevens try for France at HSBC SVNS Vancouver

The 27-year-old had opted not to take part in the Six Nations to instead look towards playing sevens at the summer Olympics in Paris.

Dupont had made his competition debut as a substitute in France's opening two Pool B matches on Friday, which saw victories over hosts Canada and then Samoa to secure a quarter-final place ahead of Saturday's last fixture against Australia.

A fine pass from Dupont helped set up France's opening try for Rayan Rebbadj, before Aaron Grandidier added another to establish a 12-0 lead at half-time.

The world player of the year then got his first try in sevens rugby when a quick change of direction saw Dupont charge through the Australia line early in the second half.

France ran out comfortable winners 31-5 as they marched into the last eight with a third straight pool win.

"I am very happy to be part of this team," Dupont said in a pitchside interview broadcast on TNT Sport following France's win.

"It is a very exciting game, very fast. I try to do my best and we try to do our best all of the weekend."

Toulouse scrum-half Dupont helped France win the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and was captain at last year's World Cup on home soil, where he needed surgery on a facial fracture suffered in the record 96-0 win over Namibia.

Dupont added: "On the pitch it is very serious the 15s game, so we have to be very serious and not to be distracted by the crowd, which is very exciting too."

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