Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk said the possible return of French captain Antoine Dupont to the hosts’ team for their Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday won’t change the Boks’ approach to a match which the team have billed as “massive” as the competition reached the knock-out stage this week.
De Klerk addressed the media on Monday and said his Rugby World Cup experience, as well as playing the French in Marseille last year, when the hosts won by 30-26, served as a good dry run for Sunday’s match.
Of Dupont’s potential return, De Klerk said: “He’s a great player and he gives the team a lot of confidence. But it doesn’t affect us he if plays or doesn’t. We prepare to face the team, not individuals. That said, for me personally, it’s always good to face the world’s best.”
With a Rugby World Cup semi-final spot up for grabs, De Klerk said the Boks were comfortable varying their game on the day if needed.
“As a team we can go back our traditional way of doing things if needs be, but we have also added additional plays to our game which we can bank on,” said De Klerk.
“So, it will go down to what is needed on the day. As a team we are in a lucky position in that regard.”