'I feel good': Dupont ahead of showdown against Springboks
REACTION: France star Antoine Dupont is in perfect shape, the scrumhalf revealed on Friday after being named captain for the hosts’ quarterfinal match against South Africa on Sunday.
Dupont returns to the starting XV just weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken cheekbone.
The 26-year-old scrumhalf has been out since September 21 with the injury and only returned to training this week.
There were major doubts regarding his availability. However, after numerous consultations with specialists, the No.9 was given the green light to return to training – handing the hosts a huge confidence boost for Sunday’s game against the champions.
“I feel good. My recovery went well,” Dupont told reporters on Friday.
“I’m in full capacity of my means be that physical or mental to be ready for this match,” he added.
Dupont suffered the injury against Namibia last month and spent a week at home recovering after the surgery before returning to the France set-up.
He resumed full contact training sessions this week.
#TeamAnnouncement: No surprises as @FranceRugby rushes back Antoine Dupont and sticks with an unchanged pack #rugby #sports #RWC2023 #FRAvRSA https://t.co/YSP2cRHf3E
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 13, 2023
“A World Cup is long I was lucky the injury happened early on,” Dupont
“It was important for me to tick all the boxes before coming back,” he added.
Dupont led France to their first win over the Springboks in 13 years in 2022 and knows all too well how physical the Springboks are.
“In matches with these levels of intensity, there’s always pain, whether physical or mental,” Dupont said.
“International matches are always tough. We saw that in November. We have to be willing to suffer to achieve what we want.
“We have very high goals. We know what we have to do and that it’s going to be very tough from start to finish.
“If we’re not ready for that, we’re not ready to go where we want to go.”
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: 15 Boks from ’19 RWC final to face France🇿🇦🏆🏉👇#R365#Springboks #WorldCup2023 https://t.co/uqWjJ1EOdE
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) October 13, 2023
