Vlok: Siya showed Dupont it's possible
03/15/2025 03:53 AM
Vlok Cilliers believes France star Antoine Dupont will recover from his knee injury to face the Springboks in November, much like Bok captain Siya Kolisi did for the 2023 World Cup.
Kolisi, facing a nine-month recovery after tearing his ACL in April 2023, made a stunning return in just 119 days. His comeback was crucial in leading South Africa to a record fourth World Cup title.
Dupont, currently sidelined with a knee injury suffered against Ireland, is facing a similar battle. While the official timeline suggests he could miss the 8 November showdown at Stade de France, Cilliers remains optimistic.
Speaking to Netwerk24 in the buildup to the final round of the Six Nations on Saturday, the Les Bleus kicking coach addressed Dupont’s absence of while highlighting the scrumhalf’s resilience.
"Antoine will do everything in his power to be fit. We play the Boks in eight months," said Cilliers.
"Everything depends on how quickly and strongly he can come back, which I believe he will.
"Siya showed before the 2023 World Cup that it is possible."
MORE: No Dupont? No issue for deputising Alldritt
France's psychological state remains a talking point following their 29-28 quarter-final loss to the Boks at the World Cup two years ago. However, Cilliers insists there has been no internal discussion about a 'revenge' match.
"I'm going to tell you a funny thing – we haven't talked about the game against the Boks yet," he said. "Fabien [Galthie] is very good at keeping the focus on the present.
“Our only task now is the Six Nations. After that, we tour New Zealand, and only when that is completed will we think about the Boks."
Galthie's troops have slowly rebuilt their confidence after a shaky start to the Six Nations, including a loss to Ireland. Les Bleus are guaranteed a second Six Nations title in four years if they manage to beat Scotland with a bonus point on Saturday.
"We are now in the same place psychologically as in the run-up to the 2023 World Cup," said Cilliers. "There is a lot of confidence, and the team is playing well.
"That one-point defeat [to the Boks] still hurts, but winning the Six Nations would help put it behind us."
Despite Dupont's absence, Cilliers believes France has the depth to cope: "The leaders on the field immediately came together and said, 'Let's play for Antoine.'
"Max Lucu was incredible when he was sent on. He is experienced and familiar with our systems."
Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
The post Vlok: Siya showed Dupont it’s possible appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
