France – New Zealand. “Jalibert is indefensible”: the column by Richard Dourthe

I would obviously have a thousand things to say about this unforgettable France-New Zealand. I nevertheless have the impression that over the course of the fifteen pages that Midol devotes to it, the ground is more than decently covered. I therefore want to address something else, a fact that is both related and satellite to this match in mondovision: the recent decision of Matthieu Jalibert to leave the France group. Here, I can already hear what his lawyers from the banks of the Garonne will tell me, namely that the opener of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles was considered for this test match as a simple “reservist” and that “barring an accident”, he would have frozen in the stands on Saturday evening. But “accidents” happen in a sport like Rugby. In this sense, what would have happened to the French attack line if Thomas Ramos had been injured during the warm-up? Would we have urgently called Léo Berdeu, of whose ability to survive at this level we know nothing? Come on, let's be serious… Put away your pleadings and let me think that what Matthieu Jalibert did last week is simply indefensible. We don’t say “no” to the XV of France. We don't say “no” to the team that thousands of kids across the country watch with Chimène's eyes. We do not say “no” to this jersey for which there are now a few of us, although insignificant compared to the greatness of the institution, to have sweated and bled since 1906.

“I would have preferred that he put this strength of character in defense”

The moment I learned that the UBB playmaker would be released, I first became annoyed with Fabien Galthié, whom I thought was at fault for having completely done without Jalibert for such a match. Then, when I realized that the decision was actually up to the player, my annoyance suddenly turned to anger. Fabien Galthié? He is obviously in his role when he mentions “the right to choose” and, regarding its opener, an attitude demonstrating a certain “strength of character”. However, I would have preferred that Matthieu Jalibert put this “strength of character” in the service of his tackling: because if he had been at all interested in this facet of his sport, he would have long been the indisputable holder of the position, in the French team…

I also want to tell Matthieu Jalibert that if he has such a good contract in Gironde today, it is also thanks to the media and popular exposure that the XV of France has offered him for four years. If it disappears shortly, Laurent Marti (the president of the UBB, Editor's note) even has plenty of time to revise their future agreement downwards. Pardon ? You say? Cameron Woki did exactly the same thing during the last 6 Nations Tournament and I didn't come across him? I disagree: Woki then asked to be released in order to defend the Racing jersey, which was fighting for its qualification at the same time. Was there a Top 14 day this France – All Blacks weekend that I missed?