Rugby-Rock solid Lucu and flamboyant Jalibert deliver in Dupont's absence

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool A - France v Italy - Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France - October 6, 2023 France's Maxime Lucu and Damian Penaud celebrate after the match REUTERS/Paul Childs

LYON, France (Reuters) - Maxime Lucu passed his test against Italy with flying colours as Les Bleus stormed into the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, and his association with flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert proved lethal in the absence of Antoine Dupont.

The mercurial scrumhalf, who suffered a broken cheekbone two weeks ago, is expected to know on Monday after visiting his doctor whether he is allowed to play in next Sunday's quarter-finals at the Stade de France.