There will be no duel between Antoine Dupont and Nolann Le Garrec this Sunday (4 p.m.) in Toulouse in the round of 16 of the Champions Cup. The Racing 92 scrum half is in fact out of the trip to Haute-Garonne due to a concussion suffered last Saturday against Clermont.
The 21-year-old international, who won his first caps for the French team during the Six Nations Tournament, even dazzling during his two starts (24-45 victories in Wales and 33-31 against England) was injured while offering the first try to his winger Henry Arundell at Paris La Défense Arena after just over thirty seconds of play. Tackled and falling on the back of the head, Nolann Le Garrec left the field immediately and he had not returned to the lawn.
“He followed the protocol normally,” explains Ciel et Blanc manager Stuart Lancaster. He is fine. He has no symptoms. But it is in a classic process. First rest then a gradual return to training. If we win in Toulouse, he will undoubtedly apply for the quarter-final the following weekend. Otherwise, he will be ready for the trip to Oyonnax the following week anyway. »
Gibert uncertain, Cat towards the package
His absence risks weighing heavily against Stade Toulouse announced as the big favorite in this round of 16. “For several weeks, during the entire period of the Six Nations Tournament, we got into the habit of playing without Nolann,” underlines Henry Chavancy. We learned to do without him. Players like Clovis Le Bail are capable of taking over. Obviously, we would have liked him to be there but that is part of the hazards of sport. »
Flyhalf Antoine Gibert, injured in an ankle against Clermont, is uncertain – “50-50” says Stuart Lancaster -, as is hooker Camille Chat, injured in his hamstring. “For him, there are a little less chances,” adds the manager.
Siya Kolisi will be there, however. Operated on a finger on his right hand at the beginning of March and absent from the field since, the double South African world champion is now fit. “I saw the specialist to check that everything was okay,” he explains. All lights are green. I did a lot of ground work to get into the rhythm. I can’t wait to play. »