When France plays South Africa in a quarterfinal of the Rugby World Cup, Antoine Dupont, the captain, will make his comeback from injury.
AP/PARIS — After suffering a broken cheekbone, Antoine Dupont will captain France in their Rugby World Cup quarterfinal matchup against the reigning champion South Africa, providing a significant boost to the home team’s hopes of winning a maiden title on home soil on Friday.
Three weeks ago, Johan Deysel of Namibia tackled Dupont head-on, breaking his face. This placed his tournament chances in jeopardy and caused a great deal of anxiety in the French camp. The outstanding scrumhalf is regarded as the greatest player in the world.
After having the injury operated on, Dupont was able to resume full-contact training at the beginning of the week, and he was back in the starting lineup for a crucial stretch of the French season. In the opening match of the tournament, France defeated New Zealand, the defending champions, and a win over the Springboks, the other defending champions, would further solidify France’s title claims.
Dupont remarked, “I thought (my) competition was over.” “I had to wait for the surgery, the surgeon’s appointment, and the tests. I’m at the top of my game right now, both technically and physically.
Dupont will return to action 24 days following his injury. On the recommendation of his surgeon, he stated he will wear a scrum cap at Stade France on Sunday for further security.
Whatever his appearance, France will accept him as long as he is present.
Dupont stated, “It’s the surgeon’s wish and he suggested it.” “I don’t see any issues with it.”
The sole addition to the France 15 squad that easily defeated Italy 60-7 to go to the quarterfinals and win all four of their pool matches was Dupont.
Anthony Jelonch, a flanker, kept his spot in the back row at No. 6, along with No. 8 Gregory Alldritt and fellow flanker Charles Ollivon. Six forwards were benched by France coach Fabien Galthie in order to take on the formidable Springboks pack.
Partially As the tournament’s top try scorer with six and the world’s top try scorer this year with fourteen, Damian Penaud embodies the French attacking threat. Thomas Ramos, the fullback, has
the most points (61) in this World Cup.
Galthie remarked, “We’re always anxious before this kind of match.” Saying there isn’t any tension would be a deception. That is the reason these moments are so unique.”
Surprise of the day came from South Africa, who started Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf instead of the normal Faf de Klerk, lining him up against the returning Dupont.
Reinach will play alongside Manie Libbok, who has remained the starting flyhalf for the reigning champion Springboks despite Handre Pollard, the winner of the 2019 World Cup, being called up to the team.
The three backs on the bench for South Africa are Pollard, de Klerk, and Willie le Roux as they opted for a conventional 5-3 reserve division.
Although Reinach has four tries in the competition, his main role on Sunday might be to contain Dupont.
Reinach’s selection over de Klerk, according to Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, was a part of a bigger strategy for his team, which he believes emphasises squad depth as a strength and many players’ interchangeability based on the opponent and the game.
“I don’t think there would be a lot of raised eyebrows if we select Cobus (Reinach) or Faf (de Klerk),” Nienaber stated. “France has a very interesting kicking game, and we believe our best chance will come from using those two guys.”
After his erratic goal-kicking came under fire in a 13-8 pool-stage loss to Ireland, Nienaber expressed faith in Libbok.
Additionally, the 37-year-old Duane Vermeulen was selected by the Springboks at No. 8. Jasper Wiese did not make the match 23 for the quarterfinal after starting against Ireland.
Out of the 23 players, 15 participated in the Rugby World Cup final in Japan against England four years ago, and 19 were members of the winning team.
rated No. 2 The most recent encounter between the two took place in Marseille in November, and while it was France’s first triumph over the Springboks since 2009, it was nonetheless a noteworthy turning point. In front of 78,000 spectators at home, the No. 3 Springboks will take against one of rugby’s top teams.
Setups:
French players: Antoine Dupont (captain), Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Delonch, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Peato Mauvaka, Cyril Baille; Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont… Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Yoram Moefana, Francois Cros, Romain Taofifenua, Sekou Macalou, Maxime Lucu, and Romain Taofifenua are the reserve players.
South Africa: Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff; Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach. Reserves: Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, Ox Nche, Handre Pollard, and Willie le Roux.
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