Medical director Boussagol, Bielle-Biarrey, Boudehent (FRA): 'We need to help Dupont across the board'

Bruno Boussagol, medical director

On Antoine Dupont:

“Antoine had a visit with the surgeon this morning (Monday). You’ve already got the information that he was back to training. He got the green light. He’s going to be back to rugby training this afternoon.”

On Antoine Dupont back-to-rugby programme:

“We will keep on working with him to make sure that he’s in the best position before the head coach makes his decisions (on the team selection). He had some contact with tackle pads with the fitness staff. Now he’s going to be back to normal training.”

On whether Antoine Dupont needs to be tested quickly for his physical abilities to make sure he can be selected:

“The workload might be increased. I haven’t seen his individual programme. He will be at the staff disposal on the pitch.”

On potential risks related to Dupont coming back to contact rugby:

“The key factor is apprehension. We need to remain close to Antoine and help him across the board for him to be in the best position to apply for selection. I think that the head coach will have a discussion with him and that it will be a joint reflection.”

On whether a helmet would be required for Dupont:

“The option of wearing a helmet was indeed discussed. We’re working on it. He has received and has tested this kind of protection equipment. There are two key points: his vision and hearing shouldn't be affected. These two parameters need to be tested in real conditions.”

On Julien Marchand:

“It’s unlikely to see him in the group for the next match. He needs to pass quite a lot of tests by the end of the week.

“If he’s still with us today, it’s because he has a genuine chance to be back on the pitch. We hope this is going to happen later next week.”

Louis Bielle-Biarrey, wing

On whether he discussed France 30-26 victory against South Africa in November 2022 with the players that took part in this match:

“They said they are a very physical team and that it was a high-intensity rugby match. It’s going to be a big challenge in terms of physicality. They also said it was one of the hardest matches they have ever played.”

On facing a very physical South African side:

“We’re expecting a very physical match, especially in the midfield. On the wings, they have smaller but quick and impactful players. There will be less spaces, so we’ll need to play smart and be accurate.”

On Matthieu Jalibert playing a key role:

“Matthieu is doing very well at replacing Romain (Ntamack). In this quarter-final, he is in one of the key positions to win the match. We will need him to create some situations, to be accurate and to play smart. Matthieu is used to playing these kind of matches, he’s got some caps under his belt. I don’t think he’s putting pressure on himself. As often, he’ll be up to the challenge.”

Paul Boudehent, back-row

On pressure building up ahead of the quarter-final against South-Africa:

“We’re in our bubble. The staff protects us from that (pressure). This group is experienced enough to remain focused on the job. We’re just pursuing our journey.”

On playing against the world champions:

“From the outset, we knew we were likely to play against them. We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be a huge event. The players and the staff are very excited about it.”