In what seemed like a relentless victory for France with a scoreline of 96-0 against Namibia, the news of their captain Antoine Dupont’s fractured cheekbone has cast a shadow over their World Cup campaign, as confirmed by the French Rugby Federation.
Antoine Dupont, the illustrious recipient of World Rugby’s player of the year award in 2021, faced an unfortunate incident during the match. It was in the 46th minute when Johan Deysel executed a head-on-head tackle that forced Dupont to leave the field and subsequently saw Deysel sent off.
The French Rugby Federation (FFR) has assured fans that Dupont will continue to be part of the squad. However, the extent of his absence from the field hinges on the assessment of a specialist, who will determine the exact duration of his recovery. France’s final pool match is slated against Italy on 6th October, and the quarter-finals are scheduled for the weekend of 14-15 October, with the semi-finals following closely after and the grand finale on Saturday, 28 October.
According to the FFR, “Antoine Dupont has suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture. A specialist surgical opinion has been requested to determine the exact length of the player’s unavailability. Antoine Dupont remains with the France squad.” This news undoubtedly comes as a setback to France’s quest for their first World Cup title.
Antoine Dupont’s absence will be deeply felt, considering his recent accolades. Apart from being named the world player of the year, he was also the standout performer in the Six Nations tournament in both 2022 and 2023. The 26-year-old has an impressive record as France’s captain, remaining undefeated in 14 home Tests.
Dupont had been rested in France’s second group match against Uruguay after their triumph over New Zealand in the opening game. However, his return against Namibia saw him play a significant role in propelling the team to a commanding 54-0 lead before his unfortunate collision with Deysel.
Initially, the Namibia captain received a yellow card for the incident, but it was later upgraded to a red card following a review by the television match official.
The loss of Antoine Dupont for an estimated four to six weeks is not only a blow for France but for the entire Rugby World Cup. Dupont is widely regarded as the tournament’s poster boy and is considered by many as the best player in the world, with this World Cup presenting an opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest rugby players of all time.
While there is still a chance that Dupont may return for the semi-finals if France advances, the situation is currently touch and go. This scenario may evoke memories of Dan Carter’s absence in the 2011 World Cup, when another rugby legend missed out on the chance to shine on home soil.
The world of rugby will undoubtedly be closely watching Dupont’s recovery, hoping to see the return of this exceptional talent to the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about rugby captain injury
Q: What exactly happened to Antoine Dupont during the match against Namibia?
A: During the match against Namibia, France’s captain Antoine Dupont suffered a fractured cheekbone due to a head-on-head tackle by Johan Deysel, which forced Dupont to leave the game in the 46th minute.
Q: Will Antoine Dupont be able to continue playing in the World Cup?
A: Antoine Dupont’s participation in the World Cup remains uncertain. He will be seeing a specialist to assess the severity of his fracture and determine how long he will be unavailable for the team.
Q: How long is Antoine Dupont expected to be out of action?
A: Early estimates suggest that Antoine Dupont might be sidelined for a period ranging from four to six weeks, pending the specialist’s evaluation of his injury.
Q: What is the significance of Antoine Dupont to the French rugby team?
A: Antoine Dupont is a crucial figure for the French rugby team. He has been named World Rugby’s player of the year, and his exceptional skills and leadership as captain make him a key player in France’s quest for their first World Cup title.
Q: How has Antoine Dupont performed in recent rugby tournaments?
A: Antoine Dupont has had an outstanding track record, being voted the Six Nations player of the tournament in both 2022 and 2023. He also holds an impressive record of being undefeated in 14 home Tests as France’s captain.
Q: Has there been any disciplinary action taken against Johan Deysel for the tackle that injured Antoine Dupont?
A: Yes, Johan Deysel, the player responsible for the head-on-head tackle on Antoine Dupont, received a yellow card initially, but it was later upgraded to a red card following a review by the television match official.
Q: How does Antoine Dupont’s injury impact France’s chances in the Rugby World Cup?
A: Antoine Dupont’s injury is a significant setback for France’s chances of winning the World Cup. His absence will be deeply felt, given his stellar performance and leadership on the field. France will need to adapt and find a way to compensate for his absence in the coming matches.
Q: Are there any historical parallels to Antoine Dupont’s injury, like the mention of Dan Carter in 2011?
A: Yes, there is a historical parallel to Antoine Dupont’s injury. In 2011, another rugby legend, Dan Carter, was ruled out of a World Cup on home soil due to injury, which had a significant impact on that tournament. This draws a comparison to the potential impact of Dupont’s injury on the current World Cup.
More about rugby captain injury
- Antoine Dupont named World Rugby’s player of the year in 2021
- France captain Antoine Dupont suffers fractured cheekbone in World Cup win against Namibia
- French Rugby Federation official statement on Antoine Dupont’s injury
- Antoine Dupont’s Six Nations player of the tournament accolades
- Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures and schedule
- Dan Carter’s injury and absence from the 2011 Rugby World Cup
1 comment
Dupont’s injury = France’s sad face emoji. Big setback!