France rugby union head coach Fabien Galthié on Monday started reshaping his France squad for Saturday's Six Nations title decider against Scotland amid anger over the injury to talismanic skipper Antoine Dupont during Saturday's clash against Ireland and satisafaction at his team's response to Dupont's departure.
France were leading 5-0 when Dupont was injured in the 29th minute following a ruck on the field at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Maxime Lucu replaced Dupont and the 32-year-old proceeded to orchestrate a 42-27 victory over the defending champions to take France into top place in the 2025 championships.
They will secure their first title since 2022 with a win over Scotland at the Stade de France on Saturday night.
Dupont, the 2021 world player of the year, will miss the Test after he confirmed on social media the cruciate ligaments in his right knee had been torn.
"It's the start of a new challenge, I'll see you in a few months on the pitch," said the 28-year-old
Dupont accompanied his post with a flexed bicep emoji, adding: "The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your mates before the last hurdle."
Referring to Saturday's game in Ireland and the impending clash against Scotland, he added: "I am proud of what we accomplished and am with you with all my strength, you will do it."
Anger
France rugby chiefs were furious in the aftermath of Saturday's game. They called for Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter to be disciplined for their roles in Dupont 's injury.
They also wanted Calvin Nash to be reprimanded for the tackle in the 45th minute that led to Pierre-Louis Barassi going off with concussion. Though Nash left the field for 10 minutes due to a yellow card, he was able to play on.
However, by the time the 27-year-old returned, France had exploited his absence.
They scored 17 unanswered points to lead 25-13. And even with the winger on the field, Galthié's men added another 17 points to lead 42-13. Two late converted tries for the hosts lent an air of respectability to the scoreline.
Since losing in the dying seconds against England at Twickenham on 8 February, France have annihilated Italy 73-24 and shrugged off the loss of their captain to register a record win in Dublin.
"We have reacted well since Twickenham," said Galthé. "The team has reacted really well. We've got something going though it's not finished yet."
Galthié drafted in Baptiste Serin and the 19-year-old rising star Fabien Brau-Boirie on Sunday to cover for Dupont and Barassi respectively. The team to play Scotland will be announced on Thursday.
Despite the defeat, Ireland can retain the title if they beat Italy and Scotland win or draw in Paris. England can also claim the crown.
After beating Italy and getting a bonus point for scoring four tries, England need to beat Wales in the same manner and hope Scotland upset France.
