Jalibert hails his captain fantastic
V South Africa Quarter-final, Paris, Today, 8pm
MATTHIEU JALIBERT says captain Antoine Dupont’s return from injury has given France a huge boost ahead of tomorrow night’s mouthwatering clash against South Africa.
The talismanic scrumhalf will lead Les Bleus into battle just over three weeks after suffering a broken cheekbone against Namibia.
Dupont’s injury placed his remaining involvement in the tournament in jeopardy – but he’s made a quickfire recovery to face the defending champions.
And France stand-off Jalibert is relishing the prospect of having his halfback partner back alongside him.
“The whole team is very happy to have him back,” Jalibert said.
“We’re happy to have him with us, knowing that he’ll be able to start this quarter-final.
“It’s always a pleasure to play with him. It’s easy to adapt to his game and to play alongside him. It gives us a lot of confidence. We know he’s capable of making a big difference, and that he inspires fear in opponents.
“It gives us more space around him. It’s always an asset to have him with us. Even if he’s wearing a scrum cap, he’s at 100 percent of his ability.”
In addition to having their on-field leader back, the French are drawing inspiration from the backing of a partisan home support.
Les Bleus have not lost on home soil since being defeated by Scotland behind-closed-doors in the Six Nations.
With the two sides barely separable in the top three of the world rankings, French team manager Raphael Ibanez said: “I think that we have an advantage, playing at Stade de France, in front of a public that will be there to support and encourage us.”