France head coach Fabien Galthié is concerned that captain Antoine Dupont may have suffered a “serious” knee injury during their Six Nations clash against Ireland.
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Dupont, 28, was forced off the field in the first half of France’s impressive 42-27 victory over the defending champions. The injury occurred when Ireland’s Tadhg Beirne landed awkwardly on Dupont’s leg at a ruck, and the French scrum-half was helped off the pitch after receiving treatment.
At half-time, Galthié shared that he had “no good news” to report and later confirmed in the post-match press conference that Dupont was “suffering.”
“We suspect something serious,” Galthié remarked.
While Galthié refrained from commenting on referee Angus Gardner’s performance, he noted that there was “anger” within the French camp over the incident, which was not referred to the TMO during the match.
It has since been reported that both Andrew Porter and Tadhg Beirne have been cited for their roles in the incident.
Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby said the injury to Dupont, who was replaced by Maxime Lucu, came after a “rugby incident”.
“Tadhg [Beirne] cleans out someone in front of Antoine Dupont and he gets hit on the back of it. It happens, unfortunately,” said Easterby.
“We have moved away and players have a real awareness now of clearing out on the lower limb of the player, which can create that type of injury that might have happened today, but that wasn’t the case.
“He was securing his own ball and not making contact on Dupont. Unfortunately that happens. The guy that Tadhg hit was hit on to Dupont. It’s just one of those things unfortunately. It happens in the game.”
France play Scotland in Paris next weekend in what is the concluding game of the Six Nations championship, while Ireland will look to bounce back against Italy in Rome.
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Five players Ireland must drop after France defeat – who should replace them
Here are five changes Ireland’s interim head coach should consider ahead of the Italy clash.
#1. Peter O’Mahony
RUCK 4/10: “One last home run-out for the veteran. Will be disappointed with his work rate as his side fell apart shortly after he departed for Conan.”
Rugby Pass 5/10: “The mind is willing but the body was struggling to keep up. Fell off Antoine Dupont for France’s first try and looked a yard or two off the pace throughout, although there was no lack of industry, grit or heart from the Munster veteran.”
Planet Rugby 5/10: “ucky to get away with a few infringements with some rather kind officiating. But the rub of the green went the other way for a crucial call with many claiming that he attempted to milk a penalty. Again a real weapon at the lineout. It’s not the result the Ireland legend deserved in his final home outing but it wasn’t his best showing either.”
Balls 5/10: “Did well in the lineout but game roared past him on a few occasions. Was taken out before the Boudehent try but Angus Gardner opted to ignore.”
Replacement: Jack Conan
#2. Bundee Aki
Irish Examiner 5/10: “Bloodied again but didn’t bow. An early boot to the face left Aki on familiar terrain, in the wars and primed for battle. Aki was in the thick of everything but the ferocious physical contest saw him make way early in the second half.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Took an accidental boot to the face early but recovered well. Had precious little opportunity in the first half to make an impact on the French defensive line, spending the most part of his afternoon tackling blue jerseys.”
Planet Rugby 4/10: “A bright start from the powerhouse centre but he petered out as the game went on and was subsequently replaced in the final quarter. Perhaps Ireland’s choice not to go with a 5-3 split was costly as Aki was never going to go the distance.”
Replacement: Garry Ringrose
