Richard Dourthe tackles him in a virulent manner

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Highly commented on ahead of the French XV match against the All Blacks, Fabien Galthié's choice not to include Matthieu Jalibert on the match sheet had pushed the opener to join a club rather than accept your reservist status. A decision that Richard Dourtheformer international now consultant, strongly criticized in the pages of Olympic Midday.

Matthieu Jalibert tackled by Richard Dourthe

At the time when he was a player, it was not good to be targeted by Richard Dourthe on the rugby fields, whether in the French championship or on the international scene. Now a consultant, notably on Canal +, the former three-quarter center was not much more tender with Matthieu Jalibert.

The one who notably had the heyday of Dax, Stade Français or Castres did not particularly appreciate the refusal of the opening half to remain available to the Blues before France – New Zealand, even if it meant having to eat away at his brake in the stands.

“What would have happened to the French attack line if Thomas Ramos had been injured in the warm-up? Would we have urgently called Léo Berdeu, of whose ability to survive at this level we know nothing? […] Let me think that what Matthieu Jalibert did is indefensible. We don’t say no to the XV of France,” writes Richard Dourthe in Midol.

Harsh words on Jalibert's defense

This decision to “desert” the Blues will undoubtedly be talked about for a while, as it is true that it is difficult to accept in a sport where the team takes precedence over the individual more than in others. After all, the UBB opener would not have been the first nor the last to have to watch his comrades' performance as a simple spectator.

And Richard Dourthe adds another layer: “Fabien Galthié? He is obviously in his role when he talks about “the right to choose” and, regarding his usher, an attitude demonstrating a certain “strength of character”. However, I would have preferred that Matthieu Jalibert put this strength of character at the service of his tackling. Because if he had been at all interested in this facet of his sport, he would have long ago been the indisputable holder of the position in the French team…”

After that, we would be surprised to see the two men go on vacation together…

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