In a surprising development ahead of the France test match against the All Blacks, flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert has made himself unavailable for the clash at Stade de France.
Fabien Galthie confirmed this ahead of the squad announcement, revealing Jalibert has reportedly done so in protest, unhappy with his position in the current pecking order of the French side.
Previously, Jalibert had been France’s first-choice flyhalf last year at the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Six Nations, following an injury to Romain Ntamack.
Ntamack’s injury woes have continued into the Autumn Test series, however Jalibert found himself relegated to the bench in Les Bleus’ 52-12 demolition of Japan, with Thomas Ramos, usually at fullback, starting at flyhalf.
With Ramos retaining his spot in the side to face the All Blacks, it has proven to be a decision that has irked the Bordeaux Bègles flyhalf.
However, speaking in the squad announcement, Galthie defended the decision.
“Everyone has their own emotions and is free to share them,” said the French coach.
“We need determination, strong players.
“Up until now he’s always given his best. He will continue with the national team, if he so chooses. It’s down to him to decide.”
Galthie has made four changes to the side that brushed aside Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms, with Romain Buros set to make his debut at fullback, while Gabin Villiere comes onto the right wing.
However, the French will see the return of the 92-capped Gael Fickou in the centres, adding some significant experience to take on an imposing All Black outfit. Paul Boudehent comes into the starting side at flanker as the sole pack change, replacing a concussed Francois Cros.
“[Buros] is in form with his club, he’s been in form when he trains with us, and he’s full of confidence,” said Galthie of his new debutant.
“Leo fell a little bit short and that’s why it was time for Romain to get the jersey.
“It’s a dream [come true for him]. There isn’t a player in France who wouldn’t want to play this match. Romain is very good in the air and there will probably be 30 kicks to contest against the All Blacks.
The match this weekend marks the first time the sides have met since the famous opening match of last year’s World Cup, which saw France prevail 27-13. Should Les Bleus achieve victory, the result will be their third on the trot against the All Blacks, equalling their longest winning streak against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
However, Galthie has admitted he isn’t getting complacent, opting to go with a 6-2 bench to counteract the All Blacks set piece.
“It’s a very strategic choice because we believe we’ll need a maximum of activity and collective strength,” he said.
“Against Japan we had 42 minutes of ball in play, 234 tackles, but this will be different.
“There will be a lot of runs, of positioning without the ball, and a lot of attention on the last 20 [minutes]. In the last few weeks, the All Blacks have won a lot of decisive penalties in the last three or four scrums.”
You can see New Zealand’s squad here.
France squad: Romain Buros, Gabin Villiere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (c), Gregory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros
Reserves: Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickael Guillard, Charles Ollivon, Nolann Le Garrec, Emilien Gailleton
