Faf de Klerk says the Springboks won’t change their approach for the World Cup quarter-final against France based on whether or not Antoine Dupont plays.
Dupont was injured in France’s pool game against Namibia on 21 September, when he fractured his cheekbone, but the French Rugby Federation said on Monday that their captain had been given the green light to return to full contact training following surgery.
It means that France could be back to full strength for Sunday’s quarter-final against the world champions in Paris.
While De Klerk is looking forward to going toe-to-toe with one of the best scrumhalves in the world, he said Dupont’s availability won’t affect the Springboks’ plans for the match.
“It’s great for France to have him back. He is a great asset for them,” De Klerk said. “It doesn’t affect us, whether he plays or not.
“For me personally, it is always great to play the best in the world. We are preparing to play against France as a team not just against him, though he is a very dangerous player.”
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The Springboks last faced France in November 2022 in Marseille, where the hosts battled to a 30-26 win in a game that saw both teams reduced to 14 players.
Since then, the Boks have continued to evolve their gameplan and De Klerk says they have a few more arrows to their quiver to get over the line this time.
“As a team we can go back our traditional way of doing things if needs be, but we have also added additional plays to our game which we can bank on,” said De Klerk.
“So, it will go down to what is needed on the day. As a team, we are in a lucky position in that regard.”
Photo: Sylvain THOMAS / AFP