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Antoine Dupont returns from injury as France name powerful team
French head coach Fabien Galthié has named his side to take on the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final at Stade de France on Sunday, 15 October (21:00 CET).
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Scrum-half Antoine Dupont returns from injury, just 24 days after fracturing his jaw against Namibia, to captain the side as his team look to progress into the semi finals of their home tournament.
He is the only change to the starting XV that defeated Italy 60-7 in France’s last last game.
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For just the second time in the tournament, coach Galthié has named a 6-2 split of forwards and backs on the bench.
Anthony Jelonch retains his place in the back row with Francois Cros one of the six forwards on the bench.
FRANCE TEAM TO PLAY SOUTH AFRICA
1 Cyril Baille
2 Peato Mauvaka
3 Uini Atonio
4 Cameron Woki
5 Thibaud Flament
6 Anthony Jelonch
7 Charles Ollivon
8 Gregory Alldritt
9 Antoine Dupont (c)
10 Matthieu Jalibert
11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey
12 Jonathan Danty
13 Gael Fickou
14 Damian Penaud
15 Thomas Ramos
Replacements:
16 Pierre Bourgarit
17 Reda Wardi
18 Dorian Aldegheri
19 Romain Taofifenua
20 Francois Cros
21 Sekou Macalou
22 Maxime Lucu
23 Yoram Moefana
Damian Penaud has scored the most tries of any player in 2023 so far with 14. He is currently enjoying a seven-game try-scoring streak, the longest of his career. He is the top try-scorer at RWC 2023 with six after the pool rounds. He is three short of setting a new tournament record.
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Ahead of his first test at Stade de France, fellow wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey has scored four tries in three games at RWC 2023.
Fullback Thomas Ramos is the top points scorer at RWC 2023 with 61, with success rate of 86%.
In his 20th test as captain, Antoine Dupont is yet to lose a match on home soil. He captained France to their first win against the Springboks in 13 years in 2022.
Earlier today, South Africa named their team, with a fairly surprising halfback combination:
They're good, but....
Allez les Bleus
Well, I like the “new” look from the mighty Boks. Counter attacking rugby all day long… well, I hope so! GO BOKKE!
Come on France show the world how rugby should be played sport should be entertainment, wins for SA, Ireland and England would be bad for rugby. Wins for France, NZ and Fiji with their particular style of rugby will help attract more fans and ultimately grow the game globally.
Boks gonna run trains on that poor little guy.