Talisman Dupont starts for France in World Cup quarter-final against Boks: 'I feel good'

French talisman Antoine Dupont will start this weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final with South Africa just weeks after undergoing surgery for a broken cheekbone.

FIRST TAKE | No surprises the real surprise in Bok team announcement for World Cup quarter-final

The 26-year-old French captain has been out since 21 September with the injury and only returned to training this week handing the hosts a huge confidence boost for Sunday's game against the defending champions.

Dupont said he's in perfect shape to start this weekend's match.

"I feel good. My recovery went well," Dupont told reporters on Friday.

"I'm in full capacity of my means be that physical or mental to be ready for this match," he added.

Dupont suffered the injury against Namibia last month, spent a week at home recovering after the surgery before returning to the France set-up.

He resumed full contact training sessions this week.

"A World Cup is long I was lucky the injury happened early on," Dupont

"It was important for me to tick all the boxes before coming back," he added.

Sunday's game at the Stade de France kicks off at 21:00.

Teams:

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 Moefana

South Africa

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6