As one might think, fly-half Matthieu Jalibert was not recalled to the French XV to prepare for the match against Argentina (November 22). After making the choice not to be a reservist last week and to leave Marcoussis, the future of the 26-year-old fly-half with the Blues suddenly darkened.
It wasn't a surprise. This Sunday, at 8:25 p.m., when the list of 42 players selected to prepare for the visit of Argentina (Friday at 9:10 p.m.) was published, a glance was enough to confirm an expected piece of information: the Union opener Bordeaux-Bègles, Matthieu Jalibert, would not be one. It is the young Castres Louis Le Brun who replaces him numerically and who joins Thomas Ramos and Léo Berdeu among the number 10.
The matter had in fact been resolved since last week and the discussion between Matthieu Jalibert and Fabien Galthié, regarding the absence of the Bordeaux player for the match against New Zealand. Jalibert, tired of the situation, wanted to make it known.
Beyond not being a starter, including when his great competitor of recent years Romain Ntamack is absent, not being on the bench either, a choice of the coach validated by the results and performances at the opening of Thomas Ramos , Jalibert wanted to explain to Fabien Galthié his discomfort when he comes to Marcoussis. Not feeling her confidence, he admitted to her that it was the “lump in his stomach” that he was blue and that the situation was difficult for him. Without having the answer he wanted from the boss of the Blues, who also told him that he would not line him up against Argentina either.
In Vannes on Saturday with UBB
Triggering element, the fly-half, who was nevertheless planned among the reserves, therefore asked to be released. “It’s his choice,” Galthié said when announcing his team last Thursday, while adding a sentence full of meaning: “The project is collective. And to build a team, which is important for us, it “It's the determination of the moment. Individual strength, which will serve the collective. It's a very important choice.” Does Jalibert, who for his part assumes this decision, realize that giving up at this precise moment casts a dark veil over the rest of his international career? How not to imagine it. Galthié’s words still resonate…
“It’s a moment for 2027. These four weeks will allow us to bring on board all the players who are able to maintain both the distance, to develop physically and rugby-wise and also with skills around endurance mental strength and individual mental strength. How can we not, again, model these words on the destiny of Matthieu Jalibert? The latter will also recharge his batteries at the club, with whom the contract extension is imminent, and participate in the 10th day of the Top 14 on Saturday in Vannes.
For the Tournament, same problem
In two months, during the next VI Nations Tournament, the question of his selection will face the same problem. The situation will be even more complex. Because at a time when the debate is moving, with the almost flawless performance of Thomas Ramos this fall, to know from now on who, him or Romain Ntamack, now recovered from his calf injury, should lead the attack of the Blues , what about Matthieu Jalibert after his choice to turn heel?
“He will come back. If he wants,” concluded Galthié. But after this refusal, will Galthié, whose mandate runs until the beginning of 2028, want it himself? An immense doubt remains.
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