Antoine Dupont said he is “ready to suffer” against South Africa in Sunday’s quarter-final after being recalled by France three weeks after breaking a cheekbone. The scrum-half’s return is the only change to the XV made by the head coach, Fabien Galthié, from last week’s win over Italy, with Maxime Lucu moving to the replacements’ bench.
Dupont, the captain, confirmed he will wear protective headgear at the Stade de France against the world champions having “progressively” built up intensity in training since his injury against Namibia, and insisted he is 100% fit in a huge boost to Les Bleus’ hopes.
