After being parachuted back into the, Dupont maintains he is not taking any chances with his health. (Image: GETTY)
Antoine Dupont, who was parachuted back into the France team to play South Africa, maintains that he is not taking any chances with his health.
In just twenty-four days, the French captain will play the Springboks, having broken his cheekbone in the match against Namibia.
The dynamic scrum-half claims he is not taking any short cuts in his comeback, even though he will be sporting a protective scrum cap.
“I didn’t sense any staff pressure.” I’m playing today because the surgeon has given me the go-ahead and all the lights are good. No decision was made under duress. We adhered to the deadlines,” Dupont stated.
“When I was injured, I believed the competition was over, but I recovered quite well.
“I am fully prepared for this match and it was important for me to check all the boxes before returning.”
The host nation, who sees Dupont as their ticket to World Cup victory, celebrated the news of his inclusion with great euphoria yesterday during the team announcement.
However, South Africa, one of the most aggressive teams in the world cup, will undoubtedly go after France’s general.
“There’s always pain in matches like this, whether it’s mental or physical,” he stated.
To get what we want, we must be prepared to endure suffering. Our objectives are really lofty. We can’t go where we want to go if we’re not prepared for that.”
Though they may have other intentions for him, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi greeted him warmly upon his return.
“We don’t want somebody to hurt another person. I’m glad for him. Kolisi stated, “We want to play against the strongest French team possible. The Springboks surprised everyone at scrum-half by selecting Cobus Reinach over Faf de Klerk. The team had been playing for a packed house at the Stade de France, with piped crowd noise booming through the speakers during training.
Only the third time will he play half-back alongside Manie Libbok after coach Jacques Nienaber resisted the urge to start Leicester No. 10 Handre Pollard, who is back in shape.
According to Nienaber, “Handre is gradually building up his minutes when you look at the cumulative number of minutes he has played for us this year—it is probably one game altogether.” South Africa, who have opted for the strength of Duane Vermeulen at number eight, have selected de Klerk as one of their three bench back replacements.
