IA few weeks ago, the Bordeaux-Bègles Union surely did not think it would be able to field Matthieu Jalibert (26 years old) for this trip to Vannes, this Saturday (9:05 p.m.), the day after the end of the November tour with the XV of France. The question is to know what state of mind the international (34 caps) will be in, demoted in the hierarchy of opening half for the Blues, who had to be content with coming into play at the back against the Japan, and who asked to return to Bordeaux last Wednesday before the match against the All Blacks.
“Like Max (Lucu), when they are with us, we don't feel that they are disappointed or that something has happened,” testifies Jefferson Poirot, captain of the UBB this Saturday in Brittany. “Honestly, Matthieu came back as if the November tour was over and he threw himself into the project, very involved as he has been since the start of the season. He is such an important player for the group that he knows how to put himself aside for the team. »
Prophet in his country
Having found his cocoon, Matthieu Jalibert left nothing to show this week. “There is no controversy around Matthieu Jalibert. He needed to regenerate. I discuss with him,” declared coach Fabien Galthié on Wednesday, during the pre-match press conference against Argentina. “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… If he wishes of course. »
“He will put himself in the best conditions to show once again that he is the best”
The episode of the tour inevitably affected the Bordeaux number 10. “I don't know many players who perform well while being disgraced or being pushed aside, who are not made to understand that they are important and that we are not attached to them,” observes Christophe Laussucq, the coach in charge of the UBB defense. Matthieu is like the others, he has a different role and treatment at UBB where he has been one of the major players for many seasons. I'm sad for him. He had a very good start to the season, a very good end to last season. It's hard for him to find himself demoted from 2e at 4e place at his post. It’s the choice of the French staff, which is not necessarily mine. It deserves another treatment, but that's just my personal opinion. »
While the UBB is looking for a second away success, the unexpected reinforcement of Matthieu Jalibert in Vannes comes at the right time. “We know he shouldn't be with us but we are very happy to have him,” confides three-quarter center Pablo Uberti. He will be an asset to our team. When he is confident, he is a formidable player. He brings serenity, he is a leader of the game. He places the big guys, he communicates, it is easy to play with him. When we bring in players like that, it brings added value. »
“Pride or not, I don’t have too many bad matches in mind from him this season,” underlines Jefferson Poirot. He only put up great performances. He is expected to be at the same level. We are going to get in tune so that he puts himself in the best conditions to show once again that he is the best. »
