Romain Ntamack should soon return to the French XV, he who has not worn the blue jersey for a year and a half and suffered an injury to his left knee during a preparation match for the 2023 World Cup against Scotland. On the occasion of the next Six Nations Tournament, he hopes that the French XV will add another line to its list of achievements.
Despite the return of the Blues to the forefront of world rugby since the arrival of Fabien Galthié at their head in 2020, with a winning ratio of 80%, the record remains meager in terms of titles, with only the Grand Slam in 2022. “It's good, but it's not enough for this generation with players of great talent, the best in the world in their position, and all the work put in over the last few years,” believes the Toulouse opener (25 years, 37 sel.) in an interview given to L'Équipe before the Boxing Day match against Stade Français, this Sunday evening.
“The Tournament is emblematic. This is a goal every year, even if in odd years, with three trips (in England, Italy and Ireland)the task is a little more complicated. It’s been a long time since we won in this configuration. (2007). We have the potential to get there. It’s quite a challenge,” he adds.
Asked about the competition for his position with Matthieu Jalibert, left aside by the staff during the recent autumn tour, but also with Thomas Ramos, starting at the opening in November, Romain Ntamack said he had “the feeling that this debate will be endless.
“I repeat, I never claimed anything. The staff made their choices. I have always responded and carried out the necessary services for the staff to maintain their trust in me. I haven't been there for a year and a half and logic would have dictated that he (Matthieu Jalibert) take over. He had the opportunity to do it. It's not up to me to judge his performances. If the staff preferred Thomas (Ramos) on the last matches, I had nothing to do with it. It's a shame that the debate is still centered on Ntamack-Jalibert when, during the November tour, Thomas was very good and became number 1 in the position. »
Fabien Galthié's number 1 choice for several seasons, Romain Ntamack could have the opportunity to regain the position of opener for the France team during the next Tournament. With this in mind, Thomas Ramos would slide to the back. The French XV will begin the competition on Friday January 31 with the reception of Wales at the Stade de France before, therefore, three trips (England, Italy and Ireland) then the final reception of Scotland.
