Dupont carries French hopes into Rugby World Cup 'battle' with South Africa

For the winners, a place in the semi-finals and an enticing tie against either a misfiring England or a Fiji side that would be stepping into unknown territory. 

For the losers, however, it would spell an early exit from a tournament that both believe they can win. 

It would be the bitterest of pills for the French, not just the players but the public who have muscled in behind Fabien Galthié's team since he took over after a disappointing 2019 World Cup. 

France have played in three previous finals without ever lifting the Webb Ellis trophy, making the return of their inspirational captain Antoine Dupont all the more important.  

The World Rugby player of the year for 2021 is back in the starting line-up three weeks after fracturing his cheekbone in the pool match against Namibia and will play with a protective face mask. 

Some have questioned the abrasive scrum-half's quick recovery after his surgeon allowed him to resume contact training this week but the French management was playing it cool.

"We dealt with it in a calm manner," said Galthié this week.

"We were comfortable because we had time, we didn't force decisions. We went step by step, we didn't push whatever it was."

Read more ‘Dynamite’ Dupont leads France’s quest for Rugby World Cup glory

Dupont's return will inevitably be a boost to the side which is unbeaten on home soil since he was named skipper in November 2021.

But standing in the 26-year-old's way is Siya Kolisi's South Africa, the 2019 champions looking for their fourth World Cup triumph.

Despite losing narrowly to Ireland during the group stages they have shown during the tournament why they are second in the world rankings with wins over Scotland, Romania Tonga.

"He's a big player. Everyone