France have thrashed minnows Namibia in their third pool game of the Rugby World Cup. After fielding a full strength side against arguably the weakest side in the competition, they ran out 96-0 winners.
However, their decision to go full strength may come back to haunt them as their talisman and the best player in the world, Antoine Dupont, shipped a huge head-to-head hit just after half-time.
Namibia scored an intercept try two passes later, but it was called back, with Johan Deysel sent to the bunker to have the hit reviewed. It was upgraded to red soon after.
Dupont left the field for his HIA, clutching his cheek with a worried look on his face.
He was then taken to hospital for concussion and a potential facial fracture, which was later confirmed by the FFR.
Antoine Dupont has suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture. A specialist surgical opinion has been requested to determine the exact length of the player's unavailability. Antoine Dupont remains with the France squad.
France Praying That Injury To Antoine Dupont Is Not That Serious
Namibia have a try chalked off and a yellow card for Johan Deysel - since upgraded to red - after a head-high hit on Antoine Dupont
The French scrum half has been replaced
📺 Watch France v Namibia live on @rte2and @RTEplayerhttps://t.co/X7cSkZilkC pic.twitter.com/6iTgxfWSzK
— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) September 21, 2023
An update on Antoine Dupont following last night's injury#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/LQ71fgv5zR
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 22, 2023
Concussion and possible fracture for Dupont
Would be an absolute disaster for France and this World Cup https://t.co/QouWiDwCKl
— Paul Eddison (@pauleddison) September 21, 2023
8 September 2023; Antoine Dupont of France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A match between France and New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris, France. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
READ HERE: Antoine Dupont Produced A Moment Of Genuine Sorcery Last Night For Toulouse
It remains to be seen how long the maverick no. 9 will be out for, but it is being reported that he does not require surgery and could potentially return for a semi-final.
France's final pool game is against Italy in two weeks time, on 6 October, before the quarter-finals on 14/15 October, and the semis on 20/21 October.
With France due to face one of South Africa or Ireland, the loss of Antoine Dupont - having already lost starting out-half Romain Ntamack before the tournament - could be a fatal blow to the host nation.
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