Laurent Labit: “For us, Antoine has not finished the competition”

Antoine Dupont left Aix hospital this Friday late morning. The diagnosis shows a fracture in the jaw. The staff of the XV of France give themselves three days before making an official decision. Antoine Dupont remains in the group, hoping to return to the field to play in a semi-final.

Zygomatics don’t always make you laugh. Those ofAntoine Dupont suffered the violence of the shock inflicted by the tackle of Johan Deysel last night against Namibia. And his departure for the hospital during the second period profoundly spoiled the evening of the Blues despite the great success (96-0). Since then, all observers and supporters of French rugby have been trembling and waiting for the verdict. However, we will have to wait to know exactly how long the captain of the Blues will be unavailable. THE morning press release from the FFR announces a “ maxillozygomatic fracture ” and one ” special notice » expected for « precisely define the duration of unavailability “. In the meantime, Captain Dupont remains in the France group. Fabien Galthié went to his bedside last night after the match. Hope remains.

“We always have hope”

« We are worriedrecognizes the three-quarter coach Laurent Labit questioned in the morning about the Dupont file. But we are not going to draw plans on the comet. We will wait 48 or 72 hours to get the specialist’s opinion. We expect a lot from the appointment with the specialist. And Antoine and the surgeon will make the decision “. At this point, the unavailability ofAntoine Dupont is estimated at a minimum of four weeks. Which would project a return of the scrum-half for a potential semi-final. The best. The Blues still need to make the cut for the quarter-final. Everything is considered, even taking a few risks given the exceptional nature of the competition. But behind the worry, the hope of seeing Antoine Dupont again in the final four is intact. “ We always have hope. For us, Antoine did not finish the competition. Everyone is waiting, announcement Laurent Labit who also confides that he had “ a bitter taste in your mouth at the end of the match “. In Marseille, the Pope is visiting this Friday. In front of the Good Mother, perhaps he will say a little prayer for Antoine Dupont…