France given huge boost as Antoine Dupont starts Springboks quarter-final

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy France received a huge boost for their heavyweight Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash against South Africa with talismanic captain Antoine Dupont fit enough to be named as the starting scrum half. Dupont – who is the face of the home World Cup in France – has been sidelined since suffering a fractured cheekbone in France’s pool stage win over Namibia, with fears that he would be ruled out of the tournament. Maxime Lucu, Dupont’s deputy, impressed in the bonus-point victory over Italy that sealed top spot in Pool A, combining well in the half-backs with club colleague Matthieu Jalibert, and he is among the replacements, while Jalibert starts at No 10. Today I’m fully capable and in full possession of my means, both physical and technical, and ready for the game.” French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique featured Dupont on their front page this morning, underneath the headline ‘The day to believe’, and suggested that with the scrum half set to start, Les Bleus can overcome the immense challenge against the reigning world champions.