PICTURES: Dupont trains with headguard ahead of Bok match
SPOTLIGHT: France’s hopes that captain Antoine Dupont will be fit to face South Africa in the World Cup quarterfinal were boosted on Wednesday when the scrumhalf trained for the second day wearing a headguard.
Dupont, 26, was given the green light to return to full contact sessions earlier this week after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone he suffered during the pool match against Namibia on September 21.
Dupont is now in line to feature for the hosts against the Springboks on Saturday after first trying out the protection during Tuesday’s session.
“Antoine is someone who is intelligent, sensible,” France No. 8 Gregory Alldritt told reporters on Wednesday.
“If he says he can play again, it means that he’s fully able to do so,” he added.
Dupont spent a few days at home following surgery before returning to France’s set-up last week to participate in some running and bike exercises.
“He’s doing well,” said France scrum coach William Servat.
“He’s always been involved, even during his rest period.
“Now he’s even more involved. He’s back with us, he is taking part in a very active way.”
Les Bleus will name their team to face the World Cup holders on Friday.
