Romain Ntamack keeps control of the number 10 position in Blue, but Matthieu Jalibert, author of a brilliant season at UBB, could rekindle the debate.
As the Six Nations Tournament approaches, the tacit duel between Romain Ntamack and Matthieu Jalibert for the position of number 10 in the France team is fueling all the discussions. If Ntamack remains the historic starter, his relatively neutral performances this fall contrast with Jalibert’s sparkling form at club. The Bordeaux-Bègles fly-half, author of major performances in the Champions Cup and Top 14, rekindles the debate on the tricolor hierarchy at the opening.
Matthieu Jalibert, 27, multiplies his offensive and defensive outbursts with the UBB. Superlatives are raining down on the Bordeaux-Béglais opener, now recognized for his defensive impact. With six tries already this season and a 19th assist in the Top 14, Jalibert seduces with his “altruism, his leadership and his desire to give fuel to the whole team”according to his manager Yannick Bru, cited by CMR.
His offensive coach, Noel McNamara, emphasizes Jalibert’s versatility: “For me he is one of the best ‘ten’ in the world, perhaps the best, with his ability to attack space, his speed which is not really normal for a ‘ten’, his length of foot. He has this ability to scan defenses and quickly make the right decision. He has a suitcase full of solutions. » And it is precisely this offensive palette, combined with a now solid defense that allows him to shine.
Jalibert, the secret discussion with Galthié
The past with the French team, however, remains a shadow on the board. Jalibert remembers his disagreements with Fabien Galthié: “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. » These episodes show that, despite his outbursts, Jalibert remains under observation and that an immediate return to the starting role is not guaranteed.
Faced with this situation, Romain Ntamack maintains a psychological advantage, reinforced by the return of Antoine Dupont, undisputed pillar at scrum half. The balance of the France team seems to favor complementarity with Ntamack rather than direct confrontation with Jalibert, who, for the moment, continues to shine at club and awaits his next opportunity in Blue.
