XV of France – Reserve to face the All Blacks, Matthieu Jalibert asked Galthié to leave the France group to return to Bordeaux

The love story between Matthieu Jalibert and the French team turns sour. Brilliant since September with his club Union Bordeaux-Bègles, the flyhalf has fallen in the flyhalf hierarchy despite the injury absence of Romain Ntamack. Substitute against Japan (Thomas Ramos was preferred), the incumbent at the last Tournament and at the World Cup in France was not selected in the 23 to challenge the All Blacks, Saturday evening at the Stade de France.

A huge disappointment for Jalibert, who left Marcoussis on Wednesday evening to return to Bordeaux and his home. A departure that does not seem to be unanimous. Present at a press conference this Thursday to announce the composition of his team and detail his choices, Fabien Galthié spoke of the Jalibert “case”. First by justifying his sporting decision: “There is mental preparation and choices on the rugby part. […] Emulation is very important and the project is collective. To build a team, what matters is the determination of the moment. The individual strength that will serve the collective.” Then by evoking, enigmatic, the departure of the France group from its number 10. “It's their choice, everyone is free to experience their emotions, to share them. We need determination, strong players. Until now, even if his journey has not been linear, he has contributed to the French team and has always shown his talent by giving the best of himself. Everyone has the choice to make decisions. Out of the 42, we need to identify the determined players who have the ability to get through the good times and the tough times. I could tell you about my career, if you want… But that’s not the subject.”

An uncertain international future?

After being informed at the start of the week of his non-selection in the 23, Matthieu Jalibert – very disappointed – would have asked Fabien Galthié not to be a reservist and to leave the Blues gathering. The Bordelo-Bèglais was, however, part of the extended group of 28 players, and therefore, available to the staff in the event of a last-minute physical problem with a starter or a replacement scheduled on the match sheet. A decision validated by the coach of the Blues, but which leaves doubt about his international future. On this subject, again, Fabien Galthié remained mysterious: “He will continue in the French team… If he wishes.”