France was dealt a hammer blow to their hopes in the Rugby World Cup following a high tackle to Antoine Dupont in their 96-0 win over Namibia.

The head-to-head collision was enough to see the France captain leave the field of play and now there are fears he could miss the rest of the tournament with a jaw fracture.

Namibia’s Johan Deysel was initially given a yellow card before a bunker review upgraded the card to a red.

Despite having 13 points from their opening three wins in Pool A, they are not guaranteed a place in the quarter-final and will need to beat Italy.

But all hope may not be lost for Dupont who may be able to call on the spirit of Brad Barritt to salvage his World Cup.

Namibia's Johan Deysel's (left) high tackle saw him clash heads with Antoine Dupont (right)

Namibia’s Johan Deysel’s (left) high tackle saw him clash heads with Antoine Dupont (right)

Antoine Dupont (right) was forced with a facial fracture following

Antoine Dupont (right) was forced with a facial fracture following

The former England international earned the nickname The Terminator after he had surgery to fit a metal plate following a broken cheekbone in 2018.

The surgery was carried out so that the then Saracens captain could lead his team out in the Champions Cup quarter-final against Leinster just a week after the initial break.

Barritt had only discovered he had suffered the injury after blowing his nose following his side’s win over Harlequins, in fact, he only left the field due to a reccurring neck issue.

He woud make a 100-mile round trip to Farnborough in order to have the surgery which saw a titanium plate put in his left cheek.

Speaking of the surgery Barritt said: ‘I had a small plate put in my cheek and thankfully it will be okay.

‘The marvels of modern science meant that they could do it under local anaesthetic. The risk of general would be the ill-effects can be four to five days of being a little groggy and lethargic.

Brad Barritt had a metal plate fitted after suffering a fractured cheekbone in 2018

Brad Barritt had a metal plate fitted after suffering a fractured cheekbone in 2018

The surgery Barritt (left) had allowed him to play just a week after the injury

The surgery Barritt (left) had allowed him to play just a week after the injury

‘It was much like a routine tooth operation. I had a horizontal crack in my cheekbone so I have had a titanium plate put in there which I’m told is now stronger than the other side.’

The extent of the fracture to Dupont’s cheekbone will be the deciding factor in whether he is able to take to the field again this Rugby World Cup.

But Barritt’s story is more than enough proof that he could make a return during this World Cup depending on the severity of the injury.

[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Man United may be barred from Europe next season due to UEFA’s refusal to change ownership rules, impacting Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Man United may be barred from Europe next season due to UEFA’s…

Manuel Akanji withdraws from Switzerland squad due to injury, returning to Man City

Manuel Akanji, a Swiss international and a key player for Manchester City,…

Kane to Join England Despite Ankle Twist

Harry Kane, the England captain and Bayern Munich’s star striker, made history…

Kobbie Mainoo Promoted to England’s Senior Squad Despite No Player Drops

Kobbie Mainoo, a promising young talent from Manchester United, has been a…