The XV of France condemned by a black legend

One injury too many? The French XV was already the team whose infirmary was the most full at the start of the World Cup. And if most of the players affected – Jelonch, Baille, Danty – were able to return or can hope to be fit for the clash of the quarter-finals – Marchand, Willemse -, the injury to Antoine Dupont on Friday against Namibia plunges again inevitably the Blues are in doubt.

The loss of the French captain, victim of a maxillo-zygomatic fracture, has certainly not yet been recorded but the opinions of specialists do not encourage optimism. And in the best case scenario, his return cannot be expected before the semi-final. For some, the XV of France, which should face Ireland or South Africa in the quarter-finals, will not be able to recover. This is obviously the opinion of many New Zealanders.

Like several press titles, Sean Fitzpatrick is very pessimistic with the Blues. “If France loses Antoine Dupont, it’s the end of the World Cup for them,” he said, convinced that the Blues cannot compete with the best nations in the world without Antoine Dupont but also Romain Ntamack…