Fabien Galthié and the staff of the French XV should choose Thomas Ramos to guide the game alongside Antoine Dupont against Japan (November 9), rather than Matthieu Jalibert.
Talking about something other than business feels good. Debating who will wear number 10 for the Blues, rather than knowing who is innocent or not, is still more enjoyable. Since Fabien Galthié announced his group of 42 players to prepare for the fall tour, the question has arisen of the player who will guide the play of the France team in the absence of Romain Ntamack, injured in the calf.
According to the latest trends, the usual full-back Thomas Ramos (29 years old) is in the lead to face Japan alongside Antoine Dupont. A choice that provokes discussion, while the staff has Matthieu Jalibert (25 years old) in great shape.
So why Ramos? Several possible explanations. First, the Toulouse player played the last two matches of the 2024 6 Nations Tournament in this position, given the injuries to Ntamack and Jalibert. It was against Wales (24-45) and England (33-31), the two best performances by the French in the competition. Ramos notably scored the winning penalty fifty meters from the poles. Then, last season, of the twenty club matches played, he played half of them at the opening. In short, the Toulouse native knows this opener position well.
“On the ground, he’s a dog”
The last common experience of this premium team was therefore with Ramos at number 10. And the player's profile pleases the staff, in addition to his qualities as an excellent scorer. “On the field, he's a dog. He talks constantly, barks at his big ones”appreciates a member of the staff of the XV of France.
A slightly less natural leadership temperament in Matthieu Jalibert, despite his talent. “He's had a very good start to the season. He's more collective and manages to play his three-quarter line well. In managing the match, he's made progressanalyzes David Aucagne, the former international fly half, now boss of the Stade Français training center. He is capable of individual brilliance which remains interesting. For now, he has perhaps done more with his club.”
Indeed, Jalibert had many times the opportunity to move into number 10 due to Ntamack's injuries. The Bordeaux player has never produced a high-class performance with the blue jersey. On the other hand, when he started on the bench, he brought pep at the end of the match, creating differences against tired defenses.
Me too, I would have put Barré in 15 and Ramos in 10
“Maybe Ramos is more complete, he is better defensively”adds Aucagne.
A factor could have placed Jalibert holder in 10 and Ramos in 15. Léo Barré, holder at the back at the end of the last Tournament, is losing momentum at the start of the season with his club Stade Français. But the French staff should still keep him at the back of the field.
“Me too, I would have put Barré in 15 and Ramos in 10. Barré is starting to have experience with the Blues. He is coming back well compared to the start of the season. He has a very long footwork that the staff appreciates “concludes Aucagne. The composition of the French XV to face Japan will be given Thursday morning.
