the essential
The Toulouse native explained his point of view on one of the debates which fuels the most questions on the side of the French rugby team, highlighting the good performances of his club teammate.
This is a question that caused a lot of ink to flow during the fall tour of the XV of France. In the absence of Romain Ntamack (then injured in the calf), who, Matthieu Jalibert or Thomas Ramos, should take the position of fly-half?
If the Bordeaux player, starter at the 2023 World Cup (Ntamack was also injured), appeared to be the natural candidate, coach Fabien Galthié ultimately preferred Ramos, usual back of the Blues, for the November matches. A strong choice which led Jalibert to request his departure from the group.
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Asked by The Team on this debate around the position of fly-half in the France team, Romain Ntamack responded realistically: “I haven't been there for a year and a half and logic would have dictated that he (Jalibert, Editor's note) would take over. He had the opportunity to do it. It's not for me to judge his performances. If the staff preferred Thomas (Ramos) in the last matches, I have nothing to do with it.
The Stade Toulousain player went even further in this discussion on the starting place at the opening: “It's a shame that the debate is still centered on Ntamack-Jalibert while, during the November Tour, Thomas was very good and became number 1 at the position.”
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“For four years, I have the feeling of having shown Fabien that I had the shoulders to take on this role of number 1” he added. “He was probably disappointed by my absence at the 2023 World Cup because he was counting on me a lot. I think that's still the case today. I don't feel any pressure. More like envy. But I don't consider myself the number 1 fly-half for the Blues. I have to prove everything again.”
Roamin Ntamack, who is impatiently waiting to return to the blue jersey, will claim the position of starting flyhalf upon his return to the French team. Perhaps on January 31 at the Stade de France, during the opening match of the 6 Nations Tournament against Wales.
“ When you're there, you don't necessarily realize how lucky you are. There, I can tell you that I feel a lack. I can't wait to rediscover this pride, these emotions of wearing the blue jersey” he declared.
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