Rugby
Dupont returns to lead France against the Boks─── MORGAN PIEK 12:15 Fri, 13 Oct 2023
“At the time, I didn't know how serious my injury was. I thought the competition was over. I had to wait for the tests, the appointment with the surgeon and the operation. My convalescence went well.”
The hosts, France, have made just one change to their starting XV that beat Italy 60-7 ahead of their Rugby World Cup quarter-final against the Springboks in Paris.
The influential captain and scrumhalf, Antoine Dupont, returns from injury as he will lead the team in the knockout game against the reigning World Champions.
The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year returns from a fractured cheekbone he sustained against Namibia, and he will be in a one-on-one battle with Cobus Reinach.
The coach, Fabien Galthié, has also opted to field a six-two split on the bench, while the Boks surprised by naming a five-three split.
A total of twelve players in the starting XV played in the team that beat the Springboks 30-26 in Marseille last year.
Dupont said he is feeling fit and ready both physically and mentally after initially believing that his playing career may be a thing of the past.
“I feel very good on both counts,” said Dupont.
“At the time, I didn't know how serious my injury was. I thought the competition was over. I had to wait for the tests, the appointment with the surgeon and the operation. My convalescence went well.
“I was able to return gradually, and I had several weeks to do all that. Today, I’m at the top of my game, physically and technically.”
Sunday’s quarter-final at Stade de France kicks off at 21:00.
France - 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
Replacements - 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram Moefana
Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Replacements – 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
