Star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont has celebrated his return as captain and his scoring touch was not even needed as eight-try France routed Japan 52-12 in Paris.

France captain Antoine Dupont said on Friday he is "eager" to play for his country's 15-a-side team once again this weekend following his Olympics-enforced absence.

France superstar Antoine Dupont said he was cautious of New Zealand’s “threat” before the in-form All Blacks head to Paris this weekend. New Zealand prepared for the trip to Stade de France, where they lost last year’s Rugby World Cup final by a point to South Africa,