Ramos at the top, Alldritt behind

They scored points…

Thomas Ramos. Definitely the man of this tour. After finally succeeding in establishing himself as number 15 during the 2022-2023 international season, the usual full-back was reluctant to expose his “status” as a starter by playing useful at the opening. He has only made himself even more indispensable through his leadership, his vision of the game and his precision in his role as a scorer. An exercise in which he posted an 18/20 during this tour, including two 100% against the Blacks and the Pumas. The only question he raised during this month of November is ultimately the following: is he not number 1 in the position? This debate does not animate the staff at the moment. Fabien Galthié still makes Romain Ntamack his official number 10. But the options have expanded.

Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The man in a hurry. Since his talent had been clearly identified, we cannot speak of a revelation. With four tries in three matches – which allows him to claim 10 tries in 14 selections – the UBB winger has still established himself as one of the main offensive assets of the XV of France. The boy goes at a breathtaking speed. Which creates danger as soon as he carries the ball. But he also provides very solid guarantees through his volume of races and his defensive solidity.

Paul Boudehent. With his “face” of Mr. Fantastique, the Rochelais shook up the hierarchy in a third line where the statuses had been immovable since the start of Fabien Galthié’s first mandate. His strength? Simply measure the circumference of your biceps. Dominant in collisions, explosive with the ball in hand… With him, the level of intensity jumps. Author of three strong attempts, he still needs to gain stature in the running game or in defense. But it is built to push the limits.

…They lost some

Matthieu Jalibert. Undeniably THE big loser of this tour. Holder during the World Cup, in difficulty before getting injured in the 2024 Six Nations, he fell further down the hierarchy in the position in the eyes of Fabien Galthié. An opinion that will not change his few minutes played against Japan during which the interception of one of his passes was the origin of an opposing try. Substitute against the Japanese, out of group against the Blacks, not called up for Argentina… This tour is akin to a descent into hell with, at the climax, his decision to leave the group before facing the Blacks rather than staying in additional player quality. “There is no controversy,” Galthié swore. A breakup, on the other hand, is not excluded.

Grégory Damn it. Two reference points to draw a clear curve. The Rochelais was captain during the last Tournament. And he was in the stands for the last match of this tour. Oh sure, all the Blues vice-captains were degraded at one point or another in November. But he did not have the opportunity to prove that he had started a rebound after two performances below his standards against Japan and New Zealand. Impeccable in terms of attitude and commitment, number 8, irremovable since Galthié took over, appeared blunted. It did not weigh on the game. A temporary ailment? In the meantime, competition is growing.