France lose Dupont but close in on Six Nations title

France will have to seal the Six Nations title without injured talisman Antoine Dupont but their devastating display in beating Ireland 42-27 on March 8 showed they can triumph in "huge matches", according to No. 8 Gregory Alldritt.

- 

DUBLIN -

The manner of how French captain Dupont suffered a suspected cruciate ligament injury in a ruck in the first-half left both Alldritt and coach Fabien Galthie seething at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Both claimed the scrum-half, widely considered to be the best player in the world, was targeted by lock Tadhg Beirne, though, Australian referee Angus Gardner and Irish interim coach Simon Easterby begged to differ.

"When you return to the changing room and you see one of your best friends in that state, it rips your guts up," said Alldritt.

"It did, though, put fire in our bellies for the second-half" Easterby, however, put it down as "Just a rugby incident".

Whatever the disciplinary outcome as France have cited Beirne and prop Andrew Porter, who they also claim is responsible, the French have to beat Scotland at home on March 15 to secure the crown.