“Matthieu Jalibert will continue, if he wishes”, asserts Fabien Galthié, the coach of the XV of France

The UBB fly-half is absent from the match sheet, revealed on Thursday, for the tour clash against the All Blacks, after being a substitute in the first match against Japan.

The confrontation against New Zealand, Saturday November 16 (9:10 p.m.), appears to be the summit for the Blues during the Autumn Nations Cup. After a convincing victory against Japan (52-12), the Blues find opponents of a significantly higher level. “It’s been a long time since we played All Blacks at this level”announced Fabien Galthié., the coach. For this shock, he chose to relegate Matthieu Jalibert out of the group, when his composition was announced on Thursday November 14.

A decision that the technician explained in strong words at a press conference: “It's his choice [d’être rentré à Bordeaux]. Everyone is free to experience their emotions, to share them. We need determination. We need strong players. Until now, even if his journey has not been linear with the XV of France, he has brought his talent, he has always tried to bring the best of himself, and he will continue, if he wishes. … Everyone is free to make their own decisions.” The Bordeaux fly-half has 34 caps since his international debut in 2018, but has not convinced the French staff to start him in the absence of the usual No. 10, Romain Ntamack, who is injured. During the last Six Nations Tournament, Matthieu Jalibert struggled during his start in the first three matches before getting injured.

The coach of the French XV assures that he has discussed with the player and recalls, as last week when Gaël Fickou was placed on the bench, the importance of competition in the group: “There are only 15 starting places and 8 finishing places. We work with 42, so there are a lot of players leaving. Emulation is very important. We look at the players who have the ability to go the distance. Today we need to identify determined players, who have the ability to get through good times and difficult times.”

A sharp message passed to everyone, in a moment that he judges “important”with a fall tour that marks the start of the “way to Australia [et la Coupe du monde 2027]” for Fabien Galthié. “These four weeks make it possible to bring on board all the players who are able to maintain both the distance, to develop physically, rugby-wise, and also with skills around mental endurance and individual strength, and in particular character”he concludes.

The match will be a major test, one year after the World Cup in France. Even if the French XV beat New Zealand in the last two matches (in 2021 and in the opening match of the 2023 World Cup), Fabien Galthié knows that this opponent “is settling scores after some difficult years“and wants”regain global leadership“The New Zealand team is on a five-game winning streak (against Australia twice, Japan, England and Ireland).”We expect everything to be a problem for us on Saturday.” warned the coach.