Potential hammer blow for France as Antoine Dupont suffers facial fracture

Dupont, 26, suffered the injury in France's record 96-0 win against Namibia on Thursday following a clash of heads with Johan Deysel.

The Namibia centre's yellow card for the collision in the 45th minute, with France leading 54-0, was upgraded to red following a review by the television match official.

The FFR confirmed the extent of Dupont's injury on Friday, but said it was uncertain how long its star scrum-half will be unavailable for.

A statement from the FFR, quoted by Sky Sports News, read: "Antoine Dupont has suffered a maxillo-zygomatic fracture.

"A specialist surgical opinion has been requested to determine the exact length of the player's unavailability. Antoine Dupont remains with the France squad."

France, who have beaten New Zealand, Uruguay and Namibia so far, play Italy in their final pool match on October 6.

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Les Bleus are set to face world number one side Ireland or defending champions South Africa in the quarter-finals on October 14/15.

Former world player of the year Dupont has been the star performer in a resurgent French team under the direction of head coach Fabien Galthie.

And while it is hoped he can return before the end of the tournament, there must also be doubts about his future participation as France target a first world title.

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France attack coach Laurent Labit said on Friday: "We always have a hope that Antoine will continue the adventure with us.

"We will leave the time for two-three days to have the opinion of a specialist. It's Antoine and the surgeon who will make the decision.

"For us, Antoine hasn't finished the competition. We have three days in front of us. We hope to have good news after the three days.

"He is in hospital now. He will leave by the end of the morning.

"Antoine certainly imagined the worst before the first examinations. After the initial tests, Fabien (Galthie) went to see him.

"Today, we are just waiting for the appointment with the specialist to see what he can or can't do, and when he can return to training. That is what Antoine is focusing on at the moment.

"Antoine stays with us. Everyone will be together. We will do as we have always done with short-term injuries in hoping that the opinion of the surgeon is positive for Antoine and us.

"The specialist will give the verdict and Antoine will make the decision. We will respect that.

"The specialist knows who Antoine Dupont is, what competition he is currently playing. It is not an average subject."

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