France XV captain Antoine Dupont suffered a broken jaw during the match against Namibia. Successfully operated on, he should be able to gradually return to sport in the days to come. This news is a relief for the France team, which is counting on its captain for the rest of the Rugby World Cup.
Antoine Dupont, named best player on the planet in 2021, is considered the playing master of the French XV. His absence would have been a big blow for the team. However, the technical staff will have to take into account the question of his injury and assess whether players in form like Lucu or Couilloud could replace him advantageously during his convalescence.
This injury to Dupont also raises the broader question of the management of injured players in rugby. Doctor Bernard Dusfour emphasizes that it is not recommended to play injured players, and that the decision to bring him back on the field will depend on the assessment of his state of health by the medical staff.
For the moment, the precise date of Dupont’s return has not been announced. But his optimism is palpable, as he shared on social media that he was “touched but not sunk” and that he couldn’t wait to reunite with the group.
The Blues’ next match against Italy on October 6 is quickly approaching, followed by a potentially epic quarter-final against the South Africans or the Irish. Dupont’s presence on the field would be a major asset for the team in these decisive meetings.
In summary, Antoine Dupont’s broken jaw is bad news for the French XV, but the successful operation and the prospect of a gradual return to competition are reasons for hope for the team. The next few days will be decisive in assessing his ability to return to the field and contribute to the Blues’ performances in the World Cup.