Already not selected to face New Zealand on Saturday, opener Matthieu Jalibert was not recalled to the France team on Sunday to face Argentina next week, an announcement which sows doubt about his future in Blue. During the first two autumn test matches, a crushing victory against Japan (52-12) and a prestigious success against the All Blacks (30-29), and in the absence of the usual starter Romain Ntamack, the coach Fabien Galthié chose to start Toulouse’s Thomas Ramos at the opening, who has never hidden his preference for the full-back position.
“(What prevailed) first was the talent, the potential, the level of play,” declared the Blues coach when announcing the start of Ramos at the expense of Jalibert against the Japanese. A first sign of downgrade for Jalibert, holder during the 2023 World Cup and at the start of the 2024 Tournament. He only played twenty minutes of the match against Japan, without standing out. Jalibert (26 years old, 34 caps) was then not even on the scoresheet against the Blacks, Ramos again taking his place at the opening, despite the start of novice Romain Buros at the back.
“We need strong players”
The Union Bordeaux-Bègles opener was not among the reservists training at the Stade de France on Friday and available in the event of a last-minute withdrawal, having returned to Bordeaux on Wednesday evening, before the official announcement of composition on Thursday. “We need strong players, determination. He brought his talent to the French team and he always tried to give the best of himself and he will continue. Galthié justified himself by announcing his team to face the triple world champions. “If he wishes of course,” he added after a pause, returning the ball to the UBB opener for his future in Blue.
“Today we need to identify determined players who have the ability to get through good times and difficult times,” added the Blues coach, citing his own checkered career with the French XV as an example. Breaking out at club level this season, Jalibert had a difficult start to the 2024 Tournament, like all of the Blues, before getting injured and being replaced by the versatile Thomas Ramos.
The list is also marked by the absence of right pillar Tevita Tatafu, who left with a knee injury early in the match against New Zealand. Winger Damian Penaud, absent due to illness against Japan and New Zealand, is not returning either. The third row François Cros, present at the start of the week but who then had to withdraw against New Zealand, is back.
READ ALSO. Fall tour. Matthieu Jalibert asked to leave the XV of France to return to Bordeaux
Compared to the group of players present in Marcoussis before the match against the All Blacks, among the forwards, Gaëtan Barlot, the brothers Romain and Sebastien Taofifenua are absent, which benefits Florent Vanverberghe, Marko Gazzotti and Temo Matiu. On the back side, Paul Costes is also absent while Pierre-Louis Barassi, Louis Le Brun, Cheikh Tiberghien will arrive.
