SIMON SAYS: Locals request prayer over Antoine Dupont’s injury, as France holds its breath over arguably the country’s most globally admired athlete since Zinedine Zidane

• French fans seek help from a higher power over Antoine Dupont’s facial injury
• Fiji’s performance director Simon Raiwalui has been showing behind-the-scenes
• And three of England’s starters against Chile won’t be eligible from next year
• Latest Rugby World Cup 2023 news, including fixtures, live scores and results

The Pope is in France this weekend and the locals will be requesting a special prayer for Antoine Dupont. The mood is similar to when David Beckham broke his metatarsal before the 2002 World Cup. There is minute-by-minute coverage as a nation holds its breath.

Dupont’s injury has been front-page news for two days. Local papers have been printing computer generated images of maxillo-zygomatic fractures and seeking comment from specialist surgeons. Suddenly the entire country is an expert in facial anatomy.

Most of France shared Dupont’s tears when he trudged off holding his face on Thursday night. They desperately need their captain back. Dupont’s team are favourites to reach the final but a knockout match against Ireland or South Africa feels like a far more daunting assignment without their talismanic No 9.

Since 2019, the hosts have won 87 per cent of their games with Dupont and 64 per cent without him. He went for surgery at 11pm on Friday and there is a growing narrative that he could make a miraculous comeback for the quarter-final. That will take bloody-mindedness and bravery because, by rushing back, he would be at risk of re-injury. He seems determined, posting on social media yesterday: ‘Hit but not sunk.’

Dupont is arguably the country’s most globally admired athlete since Zinedine Zidane. You do not need to be an expert in rugby to appreciate his artistry; watching him in full flow is worthy of a place on any sports bucket list. If the prayers are answered and he comes back to lift the World Cup he will eclipse Sir Gareth Edwards as the greatest of all time.

The French are holding their breath – and making prayers – regarding Antoine Dupont’s injury

Simon Raiwalui has been sharing behind-the-scenes access from Fiji’s World Cup camp

Let’s hope more coaches join Simon Raiwalui on X, formerly Twitter. Fiji’s performance director has been sharing behind-the-scenes access from camp, from the players’ favourite curry prawns to messages left by hotel staff. He has also used the platform for reasoned and balanced debate, including a graceful dressing down of former Wallaby Drew Mitchell for his clumsy podcast diatribe. It is social media usage at its best. If only the RFU were as keen to open the doors.

Twenty per cent of England’s starting XV on Saturday will be ineligible for national selection after the World Cup. Jack Willis, David Ribbans and Henry Arundell have signed contracts in France and will be off limits.

It is a damning reflection on the lack of collaboration between club and country. That may explain why a French journalist received a ticking-off for his persistent but reasonable line of questioning on the subject last week.

Jack Willis and David Ribbans are among those who will be ineligible for England next year

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