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As a new year rolls around, 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.
But for France, the build-up has hit an early speed-bump, with Romain Ntamack expected to miss the start of the tournament through injury. The spotlight has shifted firmly onto the No.10 jersey. For years, Galthié has built his team around Ntamack’s calm authority and his telepathic connection with Antoine Dupont. That certainty is now under threat. The debate now centres on whether Matthieu Jalibert finally gets his extended run, whether Thomas Ramos is once again asked to steer the ship, or whether Galthié looks deeper into his options.
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.