Sharks prepare to neutralise 'protected' Dupont

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Bok prop Ox Nche says the Sharks won’t be caught off-guard by the new law amendment that gives scrumhalves more protection during scrums, rucks and mauls.

The Durbanites are expected to face a full-strength Toulouse in the Champions Cup at Kings Park on Saturday, with star No 9 Antone Dupont travelling to the southern hemisphere for just the second time in his career.

From this weekend, EPCR competitions will feature four World Rugby law amendments designed to speed up the game.

The new scrumhalf protection law states that players involved in mauls or rucks can’t play any opposition player within one metre of the breakdown, while defensive scrumhalves can’t go past the scrum tunnel’s centre line (preventing them from applying pressure at the back of the attacking scrum).

"It will be a more free-flowing game, and he will have a bit more time and safety in the ruck," said Nche on Tuesday when asked how the Sharks would deal with the threat of Dupont under the new law. "We have to be prepared for it and do want we need to do, like set early. It's something we have been practising so we don't get caught with our pants down.

“He is a special player who is a big part of how Toulouse play. We will do our analysis on him to see how we can neutralise him."

Six-time champions Toulouse have made a flying start to their title defence, thrashing Ulster 61-21 at home before winning 64-21 at Exeter.

"They've shown their class and quality," said Nche. "They're bringing a full-strength team to South Africa, so it's going to be exciting. I enjoy testing myself against the best in the world and not many teams come close to Toulouse in terms of how they play. I think it will be one of the most exciting games we play this year."

As you would expect, Nche is most excited about the battle up front.

"In the Top 14, it's all about the scrum, and Toulouse have a very good pack," he said. "They're probably the best in France when on form. They have a system that works for them and they work well together. It's going to be a good challenge for us and I'm looking forward to it."

While the Sharks scrum has struggled recently due to injuries, they are set to welcome back Bok hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who has recovered from a hand injury.

"Bongi is a vital part of the pack," said Nche. "I've played a lot of games with him so we know exactly how to work together and adapt."

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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images

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