He is expected on the training ground this Monday afternoon. The captain of the Blues Antoine Dupont, operated on for a maxillo-zygomatic fracture the day after the match against Namibia, obtained the agreement in the morning from his surgeon, Frédéric Lauwers, to resume contact training. An important stage six days before the Blues’ World Cup quarter-final, against South Africa, Sunday evening (9 p.m.) at the Stade de France.
“We will continue to work with him so that he gains momentum and is in the best possible condition while awaiting the choice of the coach,” explains Bruno Boussagol, health manager of the French. Contacts will be made quickly. We have three days to test it and see its reaction after each training session. So far so good, just get back in touch now. »
From this Monday afternoon, the scrum half of the Blues and Stade Toulouse must participate in the so-called “clarity” session, the one where the players rehearse their game launches while walking, “accompanied by the physical trainers”. “Then, we resume normally (Tuesday), slips Bruno Boussagol. He will train normally, but intelligently.”
Consideration of wearing a helmet
After resuming physical training sessions on Sunday October 1, the 26-year-old checked in with the doctor of the French XV, Philippe Turblin, each evening to assess the quality of his recovery. Now the question arises of his apprehension before a possible meeting against the Springboks on Sunday at the Stade de France.
“Wearing a helmet was mentioned,” explains Bruno Boussagol. We are working on it, he has tested this type of protection. He has to be able to train with it. He has to tolerate it and not be bothered visually and aurally. »
After these three days of training, the Blues will be entitled to a day off on Thursday, on the eve of the announcement of the composition for the match by Fabien Galthié, responsible at the end for deciding whether or not Antoine Dupont should be on the field for this quarter. “The coach will take the time to discuss with Antoine and see if he is able to play this match,” announces Bruno Boussagol.
