Antoine Dupont fit to start for France against South Africa

France captain Antoine Dupont returns to the starting XV for Sunday's World Cup quarter-final clash with South Africa just over three weeks after suffering a broken cheekbone that jeopardised his involvement in the tournament.

The 2021 world player of the year was injured after a head-on-head tackle from Namibia captain Johan Deysel in Les Bleus’ third pool match in Marseille on 21 September, and sat out the match against Italy last Friday.

However, after undergoing surgery, the talismanic 26-year-old was cleared on Monday to return to full training, and has now been deemed ready to lead his country in this weekend’s box-office Stade de France showdown with the world champions.

Coach Fabien Galthie opted to put six forwards instead of five on the bench as he looks to cope with the Springboks' power and skill up front, while the South Africans went for a 5-3 split this time out.

France: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Baille, Mauvaka, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Jelonch, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Bourgarit, Wardi, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Cros, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana.

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Watch England v Fiji and France v South Africa in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday from 3.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow live blogs on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app