Matthieu Jalibert: Return of talisman Antoine Dupont a huge boost for Les Bleus

Matthieu Jalibert admitted the return of talismanic captain Antoine Dupont has given France a huge boost ahead of Sunday's mouth-watering World Cup quarter-final against defending champions South Africa in Paris.

The 26-year-old scrum-half will lead Les Bleus into their last-eight tie just over three weeks after suffering a broken cheekbone against Namibia that placed his remaining involvement in the tournament in jeopardy.

Stand-off Jalibert is relishing the prospect of having his half-back partner back alongside him as he believes Dupont's presence will give the Boks something extra to worry about.

"The whole team is very happy to have him back," said Jalibert. "We're happy to have him with us, knowing that he'll be able to start this quarter-final. It's always a pleasure to play with him. It's easy to adapt to his game and to play alongside him.

"It gives us a lot of confidence. We know he's capable of making a big difference, and that he inspires fear in opponents.

"It gives us more space around him. It's always an asset to have him with us. Even if he's wearing a scrum-cap, he's at 100 per cent of his ability."

In addition to having their on-field leader back, the French are drawing inspiration from the backing of a partisan home support.

The South Africans revealed this week that they have been training with noise coming through the speakers to simulate the effects of the French crowd in order to reduce the chances of being intimidated when they run out at a packed Stade de France.

Les Bleus have not lost on home soil since being defeated by Scotland behind closed doors in the Six Nations two and a half years ago and full-back Thomas Ramos is "not surprised" their opponents are taking measures to counter the impact of what