Antoine Dupont news live: Injury update on France captain as Australia prepare for crunch game against Wales
France thrashed Namibia in Pool A but suffered a concerning injury to their talisman, with a suspected concussion and fractured jaw
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France holds its breath after Antoine Dupont’s injury sustained in the 96-0 thrashing of Namibia with their Rugby World Cup hopes set to take a considerable blow.
Dupont went off with a potential serious facial injury in the Marseille clash and was taken to hospital with Fabien Galthie’s decision to keep his captain and star scrum half on the field, despite a 54-point half-time lead, brought into question.
Now the French Rugby Federation has confirmed that Dupont suffered a facial fracture, but said in a statement that he will remain with the squad while specialists determine the exact length of the World Cup star’s unavailability.
Follow all the latest updates on Dupont’s condition and the potential ramifications for South Africa, Ireland and even Scotland depending on the quarter-final matches. Plus get all the latest Rugby World Cup odds and tips here.
Who could replace Antoine Dupoint for France?
Maxime Lucu is the obvious replacement for Antoine Dupont at scrumhalf.
But France also have Baptiste Couilloud who can step in.
Couilloud grabbed a try seconds after coming on for Dupont in the rout of Namibia.
France ‘worried’ about Antoine Dupont injury
“We are worried. We were happy with the match but it has been a rough night. But we’re not going to overthink it for now, we are waiting for the surgeon’s opinion, which will determine the length of Antoine’s unavailability. We have 48 or 72 hours to wait,” assistant coach Laurent Labit said.
“We’re hoping that he can continue. We’re now waiting to see what he can or cannot do, when he can go back to training. But it’s sure we ended this match with a bitter taste in our mouths.”
France attack coach Laurent Labit reacts to Antoine Dupont’s injury
On how the squad is coping with Antoine Dupont’s injury:
“We’re like everyone else. We’re worried, we were happy with the match but it was a difficult evening for us. We’re not making any plans too soon. A surgeon will tell us more about Antoine’s availability. We’ll wait another 48 or 72 hours and then we’ll know more.”
On how hopeful he is of seeing Antoine Dupont again at Rugby World Cup 2023:
“We’’re going to give ourselves two or three days to get the opinion of a competent person who will tell us exactly what’s going on. It will then be up to Antoine and the surgeon to make the decision. We can’t think too far ahead.
“We have three scrum-halves, and Baptiste Couilloud made an excellent start yesterday. Maxime Lucu has been with us for a long time. We’ll see. We’re looking ahead to the Italy game and we’ll be going there with our best team.”
On Antoine Dupont’s current state of mind:
“Antoine certainly imagined the worst before the first examinations. After the initial tests, Fabien [Galthié, head coach] went to see him. Today, we’re just waiting for the appointment with the specialist to see what he can or can’t do, and when he can return to training. That’s what Antoine is focusing on at the moment.”
Antoine Dupont in action for France against Namibia
Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures: Full schedule, match dates and kick-off times
Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures and full match schedule
Every game of the Rugby World Cup after hosts France kicked off the tournament against favourites New Zealand in Paris
Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture after dangerous tackle
The challenge on Dupont will leave French fans seething.
Just another example of poor challenges at this World Cup.
Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture
This really is such a shame for Dupont, who was back to his brilliant best last night before injury. This was a thing of absolute beauty to tee up Louis Bielle-Biarrey, dropping it in the bucket off his weaker foot while taking a clattering.
Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture
Of course, there’s always the Imanol Harinordoquy approach, too.
Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture
Brad Barritt once played for Saracens in a Champions Cup quarter final five days after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone, but you’d think France will be more cautious with Dupont. Some reports suggest a four-to-six week recovery - could the France captain back for the semi-finals, perhaps?
France attack coach Laurent Labit on how long Antoine Dupont
“We will leave the time for two-three days to have the opinion of a specialist,” Labit has said this morning at France’s day-after debrief press conference. “It’s Antoine and the surgeon who will make the decision.”
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