Dupont returns to lead France against the Springboks
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: France head coach Fabien Galthié has announced his squad to face South Africa in their World Cup 2023 quarterfinal at the Stade de France on Sunday.
Scrumhalf Antoine Dupont returns after injury to captain the hosts just weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken cheekbone.
The 26-year-old French captain has been out since September 21 with the injury and only returned to training this week handing the hosts a huge confidence boost for Sunday’s game against the defending champions.
Dupont’s inclusion marks the only change in the starting XV that defeated Italy 60-7.
Anthony Jelonch retains his place in the back row with Francois Cros on the bench as head coach Fabien Galthié named a 6-2 split of forwards and backs on the bench for the second time this tournament.
Galthié managed to retain twelve of the starting XV who defeated South Africa in Marseille in 2022.
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 (captain), 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.
Date: Sunday, October 15
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
Kick-off: 21.00 (19.00 GMT, 21.00 CEST)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Paul Williams (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
TMO: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
*Additional source: AFP & WorldRugby
