Galthié explains why he preferred Ramos to Jalibert

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Fabien Galthié has decided: in the absence of Romain Ntamack, injured, it is Thomas Ramosusually number 15 at club and who prefers to play in this position, which will be the opening half of the XV of France for the first test of the fall tour against Japan (Saturday November 9, 9:10 p.m., at the Stade de France).

A strong choice, and which inevitably raises questions, when at the same time, Matthieu Jalibert, solution n°1 during the 2023 World Cup and during the last 6 Nations Tournament, admits to being very successful currently with his club Bordeaux-Bègles.

When Galthié talks about collective experience

Asked about the subject, Fabien Galthié explained himself. “What matters first is talent, potential, level of play,” he said from the outset.

Before adding: “If we study the performance of a team, one of the key factors of success is the collective experience. May this be both in the national team and in the club.”

According to the national coach, the fact that Antoine Dupont and Thomas Ramos play in the same club, and sometimes together at the hinge for the Rouge et Noir, was the main advantage. Note also that Ramos played the last two matches of the 6 Nations 2024 in number 10 – Jalibert was injured – and his performances really pleased Fabien Galthié.

Galthié: “We are counting on Jalibert”

This collective experience can also be noted with the presence on the finishers' bench of the complete hinge of UBB Lucu-Jalibert. Called to return during the match, she will benefit from her club automatisms. So there is a certain logic.

Putting Jalibert as a finisher does not mean a downgrading of the player according to Galthié. “Matthieu Jalibert matters to us. He has been with us for 5 years. He performs with his club, he performed with us, and we are counting on his level of rugby.”

And Galthié finishes his argument: “In the search for performance, we also take the most efficient players of the moment. And what we feel in this hinge composition is its level. She therefore naturally imposes herself as a starter.”

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