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As we cross into a new year, they hype around the Six Nations is already bubbling away in the background. All eyes to France as the defending champions. Les Bleus enter the tournament with a target on their backs and a new level of expectation in the Fabien Galthié era.
For years, Galthié has leaned on the brilliance of Romain Ntamack, but that could be about to change. With injuries, fluctuating form and club combinations, Galthié faces an happy selection headache. The debate centers on two world-class talents who will have to duke it out for the starting jersey: the incumbent Ntamack and the unignorable Matthieu Jalibert. In a pinch, Galthié has relied on Thomas Ramos to slip into 10, an has been sighted in the jesrey this year at Toulouse. As France looks to retain their crown, it will be interesting to see if Galthié sticks with his trusted lieutenant in Ntamack, or will Jalibert’s form force his hand. If not, who are France’s other options down the depth chart?
The gun flyhalfs combination with Antoine Dupont has given rise to a generational France squad. Their "Dupontamack" partnership is the most stable playmaking pairing in French history, teaming up in over 20 appearances. Its a combination that Galthié trusts, and Ntamack has provided his fair share of highlights.
However, Ntamack’s season has been clouded by a persistent back injury and he has struggled to recapture his peak international form since returning to the international stage for France’s 2025 Six Nations campaign. His chemistry with his Toulouse team mates, who are expected to form the core of the French squad, remains a massive asset. On his day Ntamack can light it up and becoming one of France’s most dangerous attacking weapons. If Ntamack starts as expected, Galthié will be relying on Ntamack to lift his game to a new level in a Les Bleus jersey.
Matthieu Jalibert is currently playing a brand of rugby that is making for an impressive highlight reel. The Bordeaux Bègles star has been in unplayable form, scoring in five successive outings and leading the Top 14 in defenders beaten. His performances this season has served as a reminder of his unique ability to turn a game on its head with a smart, eyes-up play.
The case for Jalibert is only strengthened by the fact he has the likes of Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Yoram Moefana outside him at Bordeaux. That squadron of flyers will likely to start for France. Inserting Jalibert at fly-half wouldn’t be a radical depature from team cohesion as Galthié can rely on club chemistry. Jalibert’s struggles to secure a starting spot Galthié have been well documented, his current "ride the wave" momentum makes him the most dangerous attacking option available to the French coaching staff.
While he remains a classy full-back, Ramos will be considered a serious contender for the 10 jersey. Galthié has a history of calling on Ramos to play 10 to use his world-class goal-kicking and tactical kicking game. It has become Galthié preferred choice when Ntamack was unavailable, with Jalibert seemingly on the outer. Ramos offers a certian stability, a make-shift playmaker allowing France to field the likes of Léo Barré at full-back.
His selection is a sign that France is focusing on territory and scoreboard pressure. It would be a bold option given the calibre of Ntamack and Jalibert.
Next man up would likely be Bayonne’s Joris Segonds. He made his international debut last year against the All Blacks. In his first taste of test rugby he impressed, and of his biggest attributes is his boot. He has arguably the most powerful kick in the Top 14, and can pop over a long-range penalty from well inside his own half, which will make opposing teams think twice.
Segonds represents a different tactical path for Galthié. While he dosen’t have the typical french flair, he can manage territory and strike from distance. His rise at Bayonne has planted him in thr frame for the test side.