In the shadow of Antoine Dupont for years, Maxime Lucu has perhaps never been as strong. As the boss of UBB, a discreet but total leader, the Bordeaux scrum-half is now establishing himself as a reference point… to the point of reigniting the debate?
And what if, for once, the question really deserved to be asked? For several months now, Maxime Lucu has been delivering top-notch performances with Union Bordeaux-Begles. Less flashy than others, less exposed too, the 33-year-old scrum-half is emerging as one of the most complete and influential players in the Top 14. In Bordeaux, his significance transcends 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 pace, of filling the field with precision and of performing the unseen 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,” says 2nd row Cyril Cazeaux.
A total leader, who has become the emblem of Bordeaux
Lucu’s trajectory reinforces this sense of mastery. Far from the usual paths, he built his career patiently in Pro D2, before exploding late in Bordeaux at 26. “He has had an atypical career,” analyzes former France and Biarritz number 9 and current France Televisions consultant Dimitri Yachvili. “He has become the game leader, captain, kicker… Today, he is even an emblem of the city.” On the field, his profile is almost unique. “There is not a sector where he is lacking. And he tackles between 13 and 18 times per match on average, with peaks at 20. For a scrum-half, it’s colossal! When you put your head down, go for the ball although you weigh 85kg, the guys follow you… When you see him fighting like that, you want to go to the end of the world for him,” Yachvili summarizes again.
However, a difficult reality to ignore remains: it’s hard to shine on the international stage when playing with 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 arises nonetheless, carried by the current dynamic. “Perhaps at the moment, it’s a draw,” suggests Cazeaux. Yachvili, on the other hand, calls for nuance. Comparing the two men is almost an impossible task. Not the same profile, not the same role, not the same environment. “Antoine has extraordinary qualities, almost impossible to replicate,” he explains.
“Maxime Lucu is the undeniable number 2 but Antoine Dupont remains a phenomenon”
“Antoine Dupont has qualities that Maxime Lucu does not have. Maxime Lucu has qualities and abilities, especially with UBB, that Antoine Dupont may not necessarily have. It would be almost an insult to Antoine Dupont to consider him a substitute for the French team. I think it would almost be insulting to Antoine Dupont.” Above all, the hierarchy remains clear in absolute terms. “Dupont remains the exceptional player we know,” continues the French XV commentator. “I don’t like to compare too much. Behind Zidane, there were very good players too. Was it unjust if Zidane was a starter even though he was a bit off? I don’t think so, because these are exceptional players who are also capable of making the difference at unexpected moments. It is not an insult to say that Lucu is Dupont’s substitute.”
In the current form, the question is not absurd. Through his influence, consistency, and volume of play, the Bordeaux player has probably never reached such a level. “Maxime Lucu is the undisputed number 2 but Antoine Dupont remains a phenomenon and will continue to be,” concludes RMC Dream Team member Denis Charvet. Loyal to himself, Maxime Lucu continues to advance quietly, certainly at the peak of his art today.
