'No strategy to protect Antoine': Grizzled Boks sternest test for French World Cup ambitions

The hopes of the French nation, which have soared high since being awarded the 2023 Rugby World Cup, will face the severest of tests when the hosts take on holders South Africa in the quarter-finals at the Stade de France on Sunday.

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.

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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 Galthie'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.

France

15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Charles Ollivon, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Cameron Woki, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille

Substitutes: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Dorian Aldegher, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Francois Cros, 21 Sekou Macalou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Yoram