Anthony Dupont PETER CZIBORRA / REUTERS
Coming out of the big success against Namibia (96-0), all the Blues’ thoughts were directed towards their leader Antoine Dupont, very uncertain for the rest of the World Cup.
Quiet winner of Namibia (96-0) Thursday evening in Marseille, the XV of France did not however have the heart to celebrate after the meeting. Captain Antoine Dupont hit in the face and uncertain for the rest of the competition, the entire French group is holding its breath.
In the aisles of the Vélodrome stadium, Fabien Galthié’s players took turns in front of the microphones, all having a word for their teammate and friend. “We are waiting to know what +Toto+ has (Antoine Dupont, Editor’s note), we know the importance he has in the group, what he gives off. We’re crossing our fingers that it’s not too serious. You all know the relationship I have with him, it’s like a brother.», Reacted pillar Cyril Baille, returning to the competition against the Namibians. “I’m waiting like everyone else, I tried to call him. But it sucks. When we see the images, it’s quite a violent shock… I hope he doesn’t suffer too much.“.
Quickly, the first examinations carried out at the hospital did not give good news regarding the seriousness of the scrum half’s injury. Dupont would suffer from a fracture in the orbital floor area, his presence in the quarter-final (October 14-15) being very compromised. “When it came out, we suspected it was a bit serious…», admitted Gaël Fickou at the final whistle, proof of the blow that occurred in the 44th minute. After Romain Ntamack’s withdrawal during preparation this summer, the French XV could lose its second pivotal star while the serious things will begin, with a decisive match for qualification against Italy, in two weeks in Lyon ( October 6). “We take a little hit to our morale. It’s always annoying to lose a player, especially Antoine.», conceded Melvin Jaminet before a more positive note signed Jonathan Danty: “We cross fingers. We may need Antoine again (smile).”.
It is certain, the XV of France will need its captain to achieve its ultimate goal of being world champion at home. All we have to do is wait, with stress and hope…
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