The news of the XV of France revolved a lot around Matthieu Jalibert during the last gathering. Indeed, the UBB opener made headlines by asking to return to his club after learning that he would not be on the match sheet against New Zealand. He will not have benefited from the absence of Romain Ntamack, who has not returned for over a year. The Toulouse man was also asked about his counterpart and he responded straightforwardly.
The fall tour of XV of France allowed several players to stand out, and among them, Thomas Ramos has established itself as one of the major revelations. Aligned at the opening half position, the Toulouse player left his mark with his accomplished performances, offering Fabien Galthié additional guarantees in this key sector in the absence of Romain Ntamack. This rise in power Ramos however, had consequences for Matthew Jalibert. The player of the Bordeaux-Bègles Unionalthough summoned for this series of matches, did not have the hoped-for tour.
“I had things to say to him since the World Cup”
« First of all, I want to say that there is no controversy. I heard a lot of things, I didn't want to react. There were discussions with Fabien (Galthié, the coach), I had things to say to him since the World Cup. I didn't find the right timing to be able to do it. I confided in the mental preparation unit and Patrick Arlettaz (back coach of the French XV), and it came back to him. But I had a long discussion with him, it will remain between us. He told me he didn't feel very well, that I could go home. So I told him I preferred to go back. I needed a break, a mental break from all this », Matthieu Jalibert justified himself for Southwest. Intimately linked to this file, Romain Ntamack answered a question about the Bordeaux opener.
“If the staff preferred Thomas, I have nothing to do with it”
« I have a feeling this debate will be endless. I repeat, I have never claimed anything. The staff made their choices. I have always responded and carried out the necessary services for the staff to maintain their trust in me. I haven't been here for a year and a half and logic would have dictated that he would take over. He had the opportunity to do it. It's not up to me to judge his performances. If the staff preferred Thomas (Ramos) in the last matches, I have nothing to do with it. It's a shame that the debate is still centered on Ntamack-Jalibert when, during the November Tour, Thomas was very good and became number 1 in the position », Confided Romain Ntamack in an interview given to The Team this Sunday. A frank response from the opener Toulouse Stadium.
