Hard blow for Matthieu Jalibert. Substitute against Japan during the victory of the Blues (52-12), the UBB opener should not even appear on the scoresheet for the clash against New Zealand this Saturday at the Stade de France. A strong decision, which would have been taken by Fabien Galthié at the start of the week, and which says a lot about the tactical choices of the staff.
The bench in 6-2 and Jalibert on the floor
No surprises in terms of strategy: Galthié would have decided to opt for a bench with 6 forwards – 2 backs, with Nolann Le Garrec and Émilien Gailleton to cover the three-quarter line. In the event of a problem at the number 10 position, it is Antoine Dupont who would be forced to slip at the opening, while Thomas Ramos, training fullback, should start with the number 10 flocked jersey.
XV of France. Dupont/Ramos, the choice of talent, how Galthié prepares the future with strong choices
A situation which relegates Jalibert to fourth place in the hierarchy of openers, in the absence of Romain Ntamack. A difficult observation to swallow for a player on fire since the start of the season with UBB. His performances at club, where he was decisive, do not seem to weigh on Galthié's tactical considerations.
Christian Labit steps up to the plate
The choice not to include Jalibert among the 23 caused a reaction, particularly among observers. Christian Labit, former manager of Carcassonne, did not mince his words on the set of Via Midol :
“It is unacceptable that Matthieu Jalibert is not aligned. This is the best 10 that there is currently in France. When there is Romain Ntamack, inevitably, there is debate. But then, why play a player who is not in his position? Thomas Ramos has qualities, but he is not a basic 10. […] We do not work in continuity. When Romain returns, Ramos will move back to the back, and Jalibert will have no continuity in Blue in this position. This is not very decent compared to his start to the season and his future in the France team. »
A point of view shared by many: if Jalibert does not play now, in the absence of Ntamack, when will he be able to assert himself in the role of starting flyhalf?
A vague hierarchy for the future
The facts of the game, like this fatal interception against Japan, undoubtedly did not help the Bordeaux opener to score points. But the exclusion of Jalibert seems above all dictated by the choice of a reinforced bench among the forwards, to counter the New Zealand power. Galthié's decision nevertheless raises questions about the management of this crucial position: Jalibert's place in the long-term project becomes unclear.
Return to Bordeaux for Jalibert
Barring any last minute surprises or injuries during the next training sessions, Jalibert should return to Bordeaux on Wednesday evening, at the same time as the other players released by the staff. A hard blow for a player who seemed on the path to establishing himself permanently in blue. Obviously this decision raises questions, is the Girondin paying for his action on Grégory Alldritt last season? Is there anything going on internally that hasn't leaked yet? The rest of the tour will perhaps provide us with some answers.
