
Widely regarded as the world’s most gifted rugby player, France captain Antoine Dupont will be carrying the hopes of a nation as he leads Les Bleus into a World Cup at home on Friday, bidding to end the hosts’ long wait for a Webb Ellis Cup.
France, still gunning for a maiden title after three final defeats, are among the hot favourites to win the sport’s quadrennial showpiece event, which runs through October 28.