“Jalibert will continue if he wishes, everyone has the choice…”

Matthieu Jalibert out of the group

“We take the time to talk with all the players. There are only 23 places, we work with 42, so… The project is collective. To build a team, what is important for us is the determination of the moment and the individual strength which will serve the collective. This tour is an important moment with a view to 2027. These four weeks allow us to take on board all the players who are able, at the same time, to last the distance, to develop physically and rugby-wise, but also to develop a skill on the mental endurance and strength of character that one must have with the France team to get through difficult times. This is the message that we share with each of the players.

Hearing his disappointment

“Everyone is free to experience their emotions, to share them. We need determination, strong players. Until now, he (Jalibert) has brought his talent to the French team, he has always tried to give the best of himself, he will continue, if he wishes of course. Everyone has the choice to make decisions. But we need to identify players capable of experiencing the good times but also the difficult times. We could talk about my career, but that’s not the subject (smile).”

Buros rather than Barré at the back

“Romain (Buros) came on tour to Australia with us in 2021, then to Japan in 2022. He is regularly with us, he performs in the club and in training. For three weeks he has shown us his capital confidence and his certainties. Léo, who had some very good matches, left a little room for emulation in his performances (against Japan, Editor's note). We judged the right time to allow Romain to come and get the jersey. We always try to be as fair as possible. There are always small adjustments linked to the current form, to our feelings about the construction of the team. So it’s not the first time.”