XV OF France – Terrible blow for Matthieu Jalibert. After starting on the bench against Japan, the flyhalf will be sidelined to face New Zealand.
This weekend, the XV of France will face its first real test of the 2024-2025 season. Following a resounding success against Japan, the Tricolores will host the New Zealand. For the occasion, Fabien Galthié will make tactical choices. On the bench, only two backs should be kept to allow six forwards to take their place. Already present on this same bench against Japan, Matthew Jalibert will be the big loser of this choice.
Indeed, South West indicates this morning that the opener should return to Bordeaux this Wednesday, barring last minute injury. Nolann Le Garrec et Emilien Gailleton should be the two final survivors on the back lines. Regarding the number 10 position, the snub is total for the UBB playing master. Despite his sparkling start to the season under the Bordeaux-Béglaise colors, the rear Thomas Ramos is preferred to him for the starting position, and Antoine Dupont would be the fallback option to hold the position against the All Blacks. As specified by the daily, in the absence of Romain Ntamack, Matthieu Jalibert therefore acts as fourth choice. A terrible downgrade for such a valuable player in recent years.
