Ireland players learn their punishment after Antoine Dupont suffers serious knee injury
Yesterday at 11:32 AM
France's talismanic captain Antoine Dupont has been dealt a brutal injury blow after rupturing his cruciate ligaments during Les Bleus’ Six Nations victory over Ireland on Saturday.
Find your local Greene King pub and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
The 28-year-old was forced off in the first half when Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne collapsed onto his leg at a ruck—an incident that sparked immediate fury in the French camp.
"The heart hurts more than the knee" – Dupont's emotional message
Taking to Instagram, Dupont reflected on the heartbreak of missing the final stages of the tournament:
“The heart hurts even more than the knee when you have to leave your friends before the last step. I am proud of what we accomplished yesterday, and with all my strength with you, you will do it.”
Confirming the extent of his injury, he added: "Rupture of the cruciate ligaments. This is the beginning of a new challenge. I’ll see you in a few months on the field."
French fury, Irish exoneration
France head coach Fabien Galthié didn't hold back, revealing "anger" in the French camp over the incident—notably because it wasn't even referred to the TMO. Galthié took things a step further, referring Beirne and prop Andrew Porter to the citing commissioner in hopes of retrospective action.
However, the verdict is in—Beirne, Porter, and even Calvin Nash, who was also reviewed, have all been cleared. The citing commissioner has opted against any sanctions, leaving France with no choice but to move on.
One thing is certain—when France and Ireland clash again in the 2026 Six Nations, expect fireworks.
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"Still a chance" – How England can win the 2025 Six Nations next weekend
bien Galthié's side are now in the driver's seat, but England and Ireland remain firmly in the hunt. Even Scotland—somehow—still have a mathematical chance.
So, what does each team need to do to lift the trophy?
Scotland's miracle mission
Scotland need a perfect storm to win. First, they must beat France with a bonus point, taking them to 16 points. However, that alone isn't enough—they also need to overturn a 103-point deficit on Les Bleus, meaning a 52-point victory is required.
Even if that happens, Ireland must lose to Italy, and England must drop points against either Italy or Wales. There's also a scenario where England and Ireland could both reach 16, adding further complications. Realistically, Scotland's hopes are non-existent, but mathematically, they still have a shot.
Ireland's outside chance
Ireland's Grand Slam dream is over, but the title isn't completely out of reach. The best they can do is finish on 19 points by securing a four-try victory over Italy. However, they now rely on others slipping up.
If England fail to reach 19 and France lose to Scotland, Andy Farrell's side could still take the title. They play first on Super Saturday, giving them the chance to set the target, but they no longer control their own fate. A big win over Italy is the bare minimum, but they'll need a helping hand elsewhere.
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