Antoine Dupont insists he is not taking any risks with his well-being after being parachuted back into the France side to face South Africa.
The French captain will face the Springboks tomorrow just 24 days after fracturing his cheekbone against Namibia.
The inspirational scrum-half will wear a protective scrum cap but says he is not cutting any corners with his return.
“I didn’t feel any pressure from the staff. If I’m playing today, it’s because all the lights are green and I have the surgeon’s approval. There was no forced decision. We respected the deadlines,” said Dupont.
“At the time of the injury I thought the competition was over but my convalescence went well.
“I started with contact in the middle of last week and at the beginning of the week, I was able to get back into it fully. I found myself back in game situations and that boosted my confidence. I didn’t feel any pain. That reassured me.
“It was important for me to tick all the boxes before coming back and I’m at full capacity to be ready for this match.”
Confirmation of Dupont’s inclusion at the team announcement yesterday was greeted euphorically by the host nation who view the former world player of the year as their passport to World Cup glory.
But South Africa – one of the world game’s hardest-hitting sides – are sure to target France’s general.
“In matches with these levels of intensity, there’s always pain, whether physical or mental,” he said.
We have to be willing to suffer to achieve what we want. We have very high goals. If we’re not ready for that, we’re not ready to go where we want to go.”
The South Africans may have private plans for him but in public South Africa captain Siya Kolisi gave him a warm welcome back.
“We don’t wish for one another to be injured. I am happy for him. We want to play against the best French side possible,” said Kolisi.
The Springboks, who have prepared for a full house at the Stade de France with piped crowd noise blasting out through the speakers at training, have sprung a surprise at scrum-half in picking Cobus Reinach ahead of Faf de Klerk.
He will partner Manie Libbok at half-back for only the third time after coach Jacques Nienaber resisted the temptation to start fit-again Leicester No 10 Handre Pollard.
“When you look at the cumulative number of minutes Handre has played for us this year it is probably one game altogether, so he is slowly building up his minutes,” said Nienaber.
South Africa, who have gone for the power of Duane Vermeulen at No 8, have chosen three back replacements on the bench including de Klerk.
