Antoine Dupont is ‘capable and ready’ for return to France squad as the hosts’ World Cup hopes are bolstered ahead of quarter-final clash with defending champions South Africa

• Antoine Dupont returns to France squad after having undergone cheek surgery
• He will wear a scrum cap for extra protection under the advice of his surgeon
• France are looking to book their place in the final four in Paris on Saturday
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

In a packed press room underneath Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday morning, French journalists waited eagerly to see if the man they call Toto would walk through the door.

The home of the French Open – where the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have dominated in tennis in recent years – was perhaps an unusual location to preview what promises to be a sensational weekend of rugby. Those in attendance were not left disappointed.

At just after 11.30am local time, in walked Antoine Dupont. It was official confirmation France’s iconic captain is back fit and ready to play a little over three weeks after cheekbone surgery.

Dupont’s return had been expected, of course. But that didn’t mean the media in the room – and the millions of French fans waiting for news outside it – were not on tenterhooks.

‘I feel very well,’ said the man himself, instantly putting an entire nation at ease. ‘I didn’t know how serious the injury was so I thought the competition was over for me. I had to wait to get my hope back. I was lucky enough to have several weeks to recover.

Dupont has now received the green light to play on Sunday after working with France’s medics

France’s relief that rugby sensation Antoine Dupont will return to action for the remainder of their World Cup campaign ahead of their crucial World Cup clash with South Africa

Dupont underwent surgery on fractured cheekbone suffered in the Pool A win against Namibia

‘Today, I am fully capable and I am ready. I’ve had time to rejuvenate and repair and I’ve had a full training week with the group.‘ It was important for me to validate all the stages of my recovery before I returned.

The fact such an incredible team as France was so desperately hoping Dupont would be fit to face South Africa in their crunch World Cup quarter-final is a reflection of his truly remarkable ability. 

He is the No 1 player on the planet. France head coach Fabien Galthie wore a broad smile on his face on Friday, predominantly because it was Dupont sitting alongside him. Some have questioned Dupont’s fast return.

On September 21, France’s star name suffered a facial fracture against Namibia. He immediately went under the knife to fix the problem and a race against time for the quarter-finals began.

Dupont, unsurprisingly, has won the race. He tends to win most things he does and has been passed fit by the surgeon who operated on him. The 26-year-old has undergone a rigorous, step-by-step process to be able to play again.

‘In these games there will always be a little bit of pain either physically or mentally,’ said Dupont, looking ahead to Sunday night’s huge last-eight tie with the Springboks. 

‘Each time we play against big nations and when the stakes are high, it’s always hard and physical so we need to be ready to suffer. We have high goals. We know it will be very hard and if we’re not ready for that then I don’t think we’re ready for where we want to get to.

‘I didn’t feel any pressure from the staff. It all happened quite naturally. I have the surgeon’s approval. Nothing was forced. Not to play with the handbrake on is the main thing. I knew if I wasn’t able to play, I would be replaced.

His return will be a huge boost for Fabien Galthie ahead of a crucial quarter-final clash

France captain Antoine Dupont is set to start his side’s Rugby World Cup clash against South Africa after recovering from a fractured cheekbone

‘We have all been working for four years to get to this stage.’ On his surgeon Professor Frederic Lauwers’ recommendation, Dupont will wear a scrum cap against South Africa as an extra means of protection. 

‘It’s the surgeon’s wish. He suggested it,’ Dupont said. ‘Actually, he more than suggested. I tested a scrum cap this week and it doesn’t bother my vision so I will be wearing it.’

With Dupont back, Galthie has been able to name his strongest possible side for South Africa at this World Cup, save for hooker Julien Marchand who is still absent. Interestingly, Galthie has named six forwards on his bench and two backs. If it was an attempt to counteract a traditional South African ploy, it didn’t quite work.

Prior to France’s team announcement at Roland Garros, Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber sprung several surprises when naming his side at the same venue. 

Not only did he opt for a 5:3 split among his replacements, he also dropped Faf de Klerk at scrum-half and opted for Duane Vermeulen at No 8. Cobus Reinach starts in place of De Klerk.

Nienaber said Reinach had been picked to counter France’s kicking game, but he will undoubtedly have his hands full up against Dupont. South Africa’s side for France is still the second most experienced starting XV in their history with 880 caps. 

The record remains the team of 891 caps that faced Samoa in 2015.‘It’s a big thing because he’s a big player,’ South African captain Siya Kolisi said of Dupont being among the opposition.

‘He’s important for the French team and a leader. He’s respected around the world. You want to play against the best. You don’t want other players to be injured.’ 

The fact such an incredible team as France was so desperately hoping Dupont would be fit to face South Africa in their crunch World Cup quarter-final reflects his truly remarkable ability

Kolisi also revealed his team had been training with crowd noise blaring from speakers to replicate what is expected to be a raucous Stade de France atmosphere dominated by French fans.

Sunday night’s clash will see some of the best players in world rugby go head-to-head. It is a game worthy of a final. To win their first World Cup, France will have to beat the current holders. The fact they are on home soil could yet prove a decisive factor.

South Africa are a different and arguably better side than when they won in Japan in 2019 with more attacking threats given Nienaber likes Manie Libbok at No 10. 

This is an impossibly difficult one to call. But Dupont’s miracle recovery is surely hugely significant. France, just with the hosts’ World Cup party set to continue.

MATCH PREVIEW 

France: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Jelonch, Ollivon, AlldrittReplacements: Bourgarit, Wardi, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana

South Africa: Willemse; Arendse, Kriel, De Allende, Kolbe; Libbok, Reinach; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, VermeulenReplacements: Fourie, Nche, Koch, Snyman, Smith, De Klerk, Pollard, Le Roux

Kick-off: 8pm Sunday, Stade de France, Paris

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)

TV: ITV

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