Antoine Dupont, France’s captain and talisman, returns from injury to face the Boks.
The face of the Rugby World Cup will not be completely veiled when hosts France face defending champions South Africa in a quarterfinal on Sunday night at Stade de France.
Antoine Dupont, France’s captain and talisman, will return to the field on Sunday after missing the previous two games due to a facial fracture, and despite widespread speculation that he might wear a mask against the Boks, he will opt for a scrum cap.
“It was the surgeon’s wish, and he proposed it.” “I have no objections,” Dupont remarked.
The scrumhalf, who wields so much power on the field, stated that he will not change his game as a result of his recuperating injury.
“It demonstrates that I’ve gained experience and that I understand how to adapt to my opponent and what’s in front of me.” There is more space elsewhere if there is less space in front of me. We must adapt to what is available and hunt for space wherever we may find it. Antoine Dupont, France’s captain and talisman, returns from injury to face the Boks.
“I started with contact in the middle of last week, and I’m getting back on my feet.” I was able to get back into it totally at the start of the week. I found myself back in group settings, in game settings. That gave me more confidence.
“I didn’t feel any discomfort. That made me feel better. It was critical to go through all of the stages.”
He will almost certainly be targeted by the Springboks.
Anything less than his confident best would be considered a minor success for the Springboks.
His importance to the French team cannot be overstated.
It will be his 20th Test as captain, and he has yet to lose at home while wearing the armband.
The addition of Dupont is the lone change to the team that defeated Namibia 96-0 in Marseille.
More specifically, Galthié has reassembled 12 players from the team that defeated the Springboks in Marseille last November.
France has used six forwards and two backs on their bench for the second time in this competition.
It might be an exciting evening for Sekou Macalou, who, despite being a loose forward, will have to cover some backline options if necessary.
“Tactically, we’re not going to say too much about what we’ve planned for Sunday,” Galthié said.
“As for Sekou’s presence, it’s to be able to adapt to the scenario. Keep power, speed, impact and be present in the air. We have a number of players who can enable us to cover different options without fundamentally altering our organisation.”
While the Boks made the decision to have goal-kicking backup on the bench the French opted to forego the talents of Melvyn Jaminet who has proved a more than capable replacement for Thomas Ramos at fullback and off the kicking tee.
Galthié after meticulous planning over the last number of years knows there is now no room for error.
They don’t need reminding that France expects a lot from them over the next two weeks, but Galthié spoke like a man in command of a team ready to take on the assignment.
“We’re always nervous before a match like this.” It would be a deception to claim that there is no stress. That is what makes these occasions so memorable. We attempt to make the most of these times, to share them wisely, and to move on with pleasure, excitement, enthusiasm, and determination.”
France team to play South Africa — Thomas Ramos; Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Jonathan Danty, Louis Bielle-Biarrey; Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont (captain); Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch; Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki; Uini Atonnio, Peao Mauvaka, Cyril Baille
Substitutes: Pierre Bourgarit, Reda Wardi, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Francois Cros, Sekou Macalou; Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana
