Only a few weeks left before the start of the 2025 6 Nations Tournament. Before returning to the Tricolores, they will have to battle in the Champions Cup. They will, without a doubt, be observed by Fabien Galthié and his deputies. But can their European performances really turn everything upside down in the head of the boss of the Blues?
Barring an injury, the management certainly already has their line-up in mind for the first match against Wales on January 31. The hierarchy seems established at several positions. And in particular at the opening where Toulouse’s Romain Ntamack seems destined for the flocked jersey of number 10.
A key position with fierce stakes
To the great dismay of the competition, and particularly of Matthieu Jalibert. The Bordelais has been warned. He knows reality. Before the holidays, coach Fabien Galthié would have taken his phone to chat with the UBB player. On the menu: an update on the current hierarchy of number 10s in the XV of France.
According to Sud Ouest, the Bordeaux player currently occupies fourth place, behind Romain Ntamack, Thomas Ramos, and even Antoine Dupont, now seen as a one-off option at fly-half.
Since his return to the Top 14 with Stade Toulousain, Romain Ntamack has taken over the starting role. And this, even if he has not played with the Blues since the summer of 2023. Thomas Ramos, lined up in 10 during the November tests, shone with his versatility and efficiency. Even Antoine Dupont, an unbeatable scrum master, was considered a credible alternative. A fierce competition that pushes Jalibert to introspection. And to the questioning.
-Jalibert, time for a rebound?
Despite undeniable talent, Matthieu Jalibert seems to pay for an irregularity that has been pointed out, particularly during his last performances in Blue. If the staff of the XV of France prefer other profiles, it is perhaps because the tactical and mental management of the matches has sometimes left something to be desired. But all is not lost for the Bordeaux player in view of the World Cup in Australia scheduled for 2027.
If he attends the Marcoussis rally on January 19, Jalibert will have the opportunity to prove that he can reverse the trend. His rise to power with the UBB under the orders of Yannick Bru has demonstrated that he can respond in demanding contexts. The European meetings will be an opportunity for him to shine.
Galthié’s message is clear: nothing is set in stone. A good dynamic with his club and convincing performances could shake up the hierarchy as the 6 Nations Tournament approaches. The ball is in his court.
