Alexis Bourdon / Photo credits: Victor Joly / DPPI via AFP
A few hours before the start of the France-South Africa quarter-final, Toulouse supporters can’t wait to see Antoine Dupont on the pitch. Despite the joy of seeing the captain of the Blues play again, everyone is aware that this match could be very complicated.
New Zealand and Argentina booked their place in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals on Saturday. This Sunday evening at 9 p.m., the XV of France will try to do the same, but will first have to face a major opponent: South Africa, the reigning world champion. Although wary, French supporters are reassured by the return of Antoine Dupont, particularly in Toulouse, in the stronghold of the captain of the French team.
It’s the main topic of conversation in France’s biggest fan zone: the return from injury of local hero, Antoine Dupont. His presence at the start of the match was eagerly awaited by Nathan, a Toulouse supporter. “The team with Antoine or without Antoine is indeed not the same. I am really happy that he is coming back for this quarter-final and impatient to see the match,” he smiles.
“We cross fingers”
Despite the tenure of the captain of the Blues, Toulouse fans prefer to remain cautious. For them, we risk seeing a very competitive match. “It’s South Africa up against us so we hope to win, we’re fully behind the French team but it’s going to be a very tough match and we’re going to have to be serious until the end,” worries one support. “It’s still a big team, we’ve already beaten them so we hope, we keep our fingers crossed,” adds another.
Antoine Dupont should play this Sunday evening with a helmet on his head. A precaution to protect yourself from blows but which should not hinder your vision of the game, assured the French playing master.