France's star scrum-half Antoine Dupont was forced out of his team's crucial Six Nations game against Ireland after sustaining an injury in the first half at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Dupont appeared to hurt his knee in a collision with Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne and was helped off the field by medical staff as his team led 5-0. France survived without their talisman, romping to a comprehensive win to take charge of the Six Nations championship.
His absence is of particular note as France coach Fabien Galthié only named one back in his list of replacements. Maxime Lucu replaced his ailing compatriot in the 29th minute.
Dupont is considered by many to be the best player in world rugby. He didn't take part in last year's Six Nations -- won by Ireland -- as he joined up with the France Sevens setup and helped them claim gold at the Paris Olympics in August.
Saturday's match between France and Ireland has been billed as a potential tournament decider, with Simon Easterby's team as yet unbeaten in this year's tournament.
France were felled by England in their second game and need to claim a rare away win at the Aviva to keep their hopes of a title alive.
