France captain Dupont named to start against South Africa

The French talisman has recovered after surgery to a broken cheekbone

File photo dated 08-09-2023 of France's Antoine Dupont

Antoine Dupont will start for France in Sunday's quarter-final clash against defending champions South Africa after recovering from surgery on a broken cheekbone in a massive boost for the hosts.

The mercurial scrumhalf missed Les Bleus's final Pool A game against Italy and while he was not needed in a 60-7 demolition of the Azzurri, the captain's presence will offer a confidence boost and add danger to Fabien Galthie's side.