France captain Antoine Dupont said yesterday that the French coaching staff did not pressure him to play in this weekend’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final against defending champions South Africa.
The 26-year-old scrumhalf underwent surgery on a fractured cheekbone – which he suffered in the September 21 win over Namibia – three weeks ago.
Dupont, who only returned to full contact training this week, will wear a scrum cap, as demanded by his surgeon.
The 2021 World Player of