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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

Harry Latham-Coyle,Jack Rathborn
Friday 22 September 2023 18:30 BST
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Italy come back from behind to beat Uruguay 38-17 at the Rugby World Cup

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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.

HALF TIME France 54 -0 Namibia

A stunning performance from France who were taking no chances after a shaky game against Uruguay last week. They’re a different beast this week and have no doubt been galvanised by a massive home crowd who have witnessed an eight-try first half.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:49

FRANCE TRY! France 54 - 0 Namibia 40 mins

Another ridiculous score on the stroke of half-time! Dupont takes a quick tap-and-go penalty and delivers a perfect crossfield kick to young winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey who collects with ease in the corner. Really impressive stuff and the crowd are loving it. Ramos narrowly gets the conversion from the wide angle.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:48

FRANCE TRY! France 47 - 0 Namibia 37 mins

France turn the ball over and it’s Penaud with the break but he selflessly passes to his captain on his right and Dupont finishes the score, another well-worked try for the home side and France are really pushing on here. Ramos adds another conversion.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:45

Wasted lineout for Namibia. France 40 - 0 Namibia 35 mins

It’s another wasted opportunity from the set piece, this time five metres out, for Namibia and they’re pushed back by France.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:42

FRANCE TRY! France 40 - 0 Namibia 32 mins

They do eventually get their next try and it’s scored by Thibaud Flament after an offload from Anthony Jelonch who reads the game well to release his teammate for a well-worked try. Ramos with the conversion again.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:40

No try for France. France 33- 0 Namibia 30 mins

The ball goes from Mauvaka to Jelonch who looks to have scored, but a replay from TMO Joy Neville shows the ball has gone forward from the hooker and the score isn’t awarded.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:39

FRANCE TRY! France 33 - 0 Namibia 25 mins

Danty gets a second, what a return he’s having! Dupont is delivered the ball from Cameron Woki at the lineout and passes to Danty who crosses the line for the team’s fifth. Ramos again from the tee.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:30

France in control. France 26 - 0 Namibia 24 mins

France brimming with confidence here, slick no-look passes are delivered with pinpoint accuracy and they are thoroughly in control in Marseille. A stark contrast to their performance against Uruguay last week.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:28

FRANCE TRY! France 19- 0 Namibia 17 mins

Ollivon dots down after some slick passes between teammates including Dupont and Jalibert who flicks the ball inside before Ollivon delivered the ball with ease and dots down. France have a third within under 20 minutes and Ramos adds the conversion.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:21

FRANCE TRY! France 10 - 0 Namibia 9 mins

Youngster Louis Bielle-Biarrey does the work to race to the ball after a kick and keep it in play with an impressive pass to Danty and the returning centre scores.

Imogen Ainsworth21 September 2023 20:11

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