France captain Antoine Dupont comes to defence of two Ireland stars
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Accident.
France captain Antoine Dupont has come to the defence of two Ireland stars ahead of their huge Six Nations opener next week.
The legendary scrum-half tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the Six Nations match against Ireland last March, ruling him out for several months.
The incident occurred when Ireland prop Andrew Porter accidentally fell on him as he and Tadhg Beirne arrived to clear out after Dupont was tackled.
France head coach Fabien Galthie reported both to the citing commissioner after the game, but Dupont has defended the pair ahead of next week’s big return match.
“I think it was just an accident. It happened sometimes on the field, unfortunately,” Dupont said.
“I don’t feel that it was intentional. Both of them sent messages on social media, so no, I don’t think so.”
The game marks Dupont’s first match back for France since the injury, and he can’t wait to line out for Les Blues again.
“It’s very special for me,” Dupont added.
“I didn’t wear the French jersey for almost one year. Even without that, it’s always very special.
“You start the tournament, you feel the excitement from everyone and to be able to start with a home game in Paris against Ireland, it’s very motivating.
“Nobody has experienced playing an international game on a Thursday night. So it will be a part of the preparation.
“We have to prepare for the consequences, but it will be the same for us and for them. So, we’ll see.”
