In the shadow of Antoine Dupont for years, Maxime Lucu may have never been as strong. Head of UBB, a discreet but total leader, the Bordeaux scrum-half now emerges as a reference point… to the point of sparking debate?
And what if, for once, the question really deserved to be asked? For several months, Maxime Lucu has been delivering stellar performances with Union Bordeaux-Bègles. Less flashy than others, less exposed too, the 33-year-old scrum-half still stands out as one of the most complete and influential players in the Top 14. In Gironde, his importance exceeds his position. “It’s like having another coach on the field,” summarizes his manager Yannick Bru. “He brings energy, always makes the right decisions. His kicking game is exceptional.”
Lucu is above all a conductor. A player capable of setting the tempo, occupying every inch of the field, and carrying out the obscure tasks with impressive regularity. Bru describes a typical match as “20 tackles, 12 kilometers covered, and 18 kicks.” Almost absurd standards for a number 9. This level of play, rare in this position, also impresses his teammates. “When you have him with you on the field, it’s pure joy,” confides lock Cyril Cazeaux.
A total leader, becoming an emblem of Bordeaux
Lucu’s trajectory further reinforces the impression of mastery. Far from the traditional circuits, he built his career patiently in Pro D2 before exploding late in arriving in Gironde at the age of 26. “He has had an atypical career,” analyzes former French and Biarritz number 9, now France Televisions consultant, Dimitri Yachvili. “He has become the game leader, captain, kicker… Today, he is even a symbol of the city.” On the field, his profile is almost unique. “There isn’t an area where he is lacking. And he makes between 13 and 18 tackles per match on average with peaks of 20. For a scrum-half, that’s huge! When you see him fight like that, you want to go to the ends of the earth for him,” Yachvili summarizes.
However, a difficult reality remains to be overcome: it’s hard to stand out on the international scene when playing alongside Antoine Dupont. “It’s difficult to be a French number 9 today, because we live in his shadow,” admits Yannick Bru. Dupont has been considered the best player in the world for several seasons. A status that no one disputes. But the debate creeps in nonetheless, fueled by the current dynamic. “Maybe at this moment, it’s on par,” suggests Cazeaux. Yachvili, calls for nuance. Comparing the two men is almost an impossible exercise. Different profiles, different roles, different environments. “Antoine has extraordinary qualities, almost impossible to replicate,” he explains.
“Maxime Lucu is the indisputable number 2 but Antoine Dupont remains a phenomenon”
“Antoine Dupont has qualities that Maxime Lucu doesn’t have. Maxime Lucu has qualities and abilities, especially with UBB, that Antoine Dupont may not necessarily have. We can’t speak of injustice by making Antoine Dupont the starting player for the French team. I think that would almost insult Antoine Dupont.” Above all, the hierarchy remains clear in absolute terms. “Dupont remains the exceptional player we know,” continues the XV de France commentator. “I don’t like to compare too much. Behind Zidane, there were very good players too. Was it unfair if Zidane was a starter even though he was a bit less good? I don’t think so because these are players who are extraordinary but who are also able to make a difference at moments where they are least expected. It’s not an insult to say that Lucu is Dupont’s substitute.”
In the current context, the question is not absurd. Through his influence, consistency, and level of play, the Bordeaux player has probably never reached such a high level. “Maxime Lucu is the indisputable number 2 but Antoine Dupont remains a phenomenon and will continue to be,” concludes Denis Charvet, a member of the RMC Dream Team. Similarly faithful, Maxime Lucu continues to advance quietly, being undoubtedly at the peak of his art today.
