Jalibert Controversy

Opinion in France is divided, after Matthieu Jalibert turned down the chance to be a travelling reserve (a player outside the named matchday 23, who can step in case of a last minute injury). For some, turning down any call from your country is a grievous sin. Others feel the player has been badly treated by Galthié, and have more sympathy with the player's response, especially as the chance of even being on the bench is slim.

PARIS (AP) — Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert chose not to be picked as a reserve for France against New Zealand in the autumn rugby test this weekend, Les Triolores coach Fabien Galthié confirmed on Thursday.

Jalibert was France’s World Cup flyhalf last year in the absence of the injured Romain Ntamack and for the start of the Six Nations. Ntamack was ruled out of this autumn campaign by a recent injury but usual fullback Thomas Ramos started at flyhalf against Japan last weekend and retained the 10 jersey against the All Blacks this Saturday at Stade de France.

Jalibert came off the bench against Japan. Against New Zealand, he was reportedly disappointed not to start and subsequently didn’t want to be in the reserves.

“Everyone has their own emotions and is free to share them,” Galthié said. “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.”

https://apnews.com/article/france-all-blacks-zealand-teams-30010ec4566b0dd6183795703541a65a

In England, Stuart Barnes famously turned down a bench spot after Rob Andrew was continually selected ahead of him in the starting XV. That was in an era when there were only injury replacements, so reserves often never got on. Chris Ashton turned down an England "A" tour to South Africa, after being overlooked by Eddie Jones for the senior tour to Australia. More recently, Jonny May was cut from the 2023 World Cup squad but was asked to stay in camp to make up the numbers, as there were injuries. He was fuming, and nearly walked out but decided to stay. When Anthony Watson was ruled out with a calf injury, May was called up, and went on to make the starting XV.

Selecting Ramos over Jalibert is a mad selection. Jalibert is a cracking flyhalf. Ramos is a liability in defence. Looks like Dupont is the back up 10.

France: 15 Romain Buros, 14 Gabin Villiere, 13 Gael Fickou, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Thomas Ramos, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Gregory Alldritt, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros.

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Charles Ollivon, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Emilien Gailleton.