Introduction
In Marseille, a raging France destroyed Namibia 96-0, with Damian Penaud plundering a hat-trick of tries as the hosts set a record score to maintain their flawless World Cup record. The winners, though, witnessed Antoine Dupont go with what might have been a devastating facial injury. Dupont’s participation in the remainder of the competition may be in doubt given French reports that he shattered his cheekbone. After Johan Deysel made a head-on tackle and was flagged for offsides. The 2021 world player of the year was dragged off the pitch in the 46th minute.
About Injury
Dupont will stay with the team, and will see a specialist to determine how long he will be out. On October 6, France will play Italy in its final group game. The quarterfinals are set for the weekend of October 14–15, the semifinals for the following weekend, and the championship game for October 28 on a Saturday. Following the flamboyant scrumhalf’s potential jaw fracture during the hosts record-breaking 96-0 victory against Namibia at the Rugby World Cup on Thursday, France was concerned for the wellbeing of their captain, Antoine Dupont.
The maxillary bone may have fractured or cracked, according to head coach Fabien Galthie. “I can only tell you that he is currently in the hospital being tested. I’m keeping in touch and will update you if I hear from him. Right now, live, I’m writing to him.
An injury to Antoine Dupont’s maxillo-zygomatic bone has occurred. The precise duration of the player’s absence will be determined by an expert surgical opinion, which has been obtained. Antoine Dupont is still a member of the France team, according to the FFR.
Big Loss of France
France’s chances of winning the World Cup for the first time would suffer greatly if Dupont were to leave the country. He was chosen as the world player of the year in addition to winning the 2022 and 2023 Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards. The 26-year-old has led France in 14 home Test matches without losing.
Dupont was one of 12 players rested for France’s second group victory over Uruguay after the team defeated three-time champions New Zealand in the opening game of the competition. Prior to his collision with Deysel. He helped the hosts build a 54-0 advantage against Namibia in Marseille before being reinstated to the team. The Namibian captain first received a yellow card. But after a televised review, that card was changed to a red one.
A Great Player
Dupont will see a specialist to find out what grade the fracture is, but preliminary calculations indicate that he will be out for four to six weeks. It is a devastating setback for both France and the World Cup as a whole. Dupont is the tournament’s face, by far the top player in the world. This World Cup is his chance to truly establish himself as one of the all-time greats. He still has a chance to achieve that; if France advances, a semi-final will take place in five weeks. However, it is still far from certain, and it is reminiscent of Dan Carter in 2011, when another all-time great was disqualified from a World Cup on home soil.
