France v All Blacks: Les Bleus rocked by injury to key star ahead of Rugby World Cup rematch

France have been dealt a major blow ahead of their Rugby World Cup rematch with New Zealand, with key star Antoine Dupont ruled out of the clash due to injury.

Dupont, who was named World Rugby's Player of the Year in 2021, suffered a knee injury in training and will now miss the highly anticipated match in Paris on Saturday.

The scrum-half's absence is a huge setback for France, who are looking to avenge their defeat to the All Blacks in the 2019 World Cup quarter-final.

Dupont is one of the most influential players in the world and his absence will be a major boost for New Zealand, who are looking to extend their winning run against France to seven matches.

France coach Fabien Galthie has yet to name a replacement for Dupont, but he is likely to choose from Baptiste Serin or Maxime Lucu.

Serin has been in impressive form for Stade Francais this season, while Lucu was part of the France team that won the Six Nations in 2022.

France will be hoping that Dupont can recover in time for the Rugby World Cup, which begins in September.

The All Blacks will be heavy favorites to win the match in Paris, but France will be hoping to use the home crowd to their advantage.

The match is set to be a sell-out, and it is sure to be a passionate and intense clash between two of the world's best rugby teams.