European Cup: huge against Racing, Jalibert is ready for his duel with Ntamack

"I knew he was going to put it on."

Christophe Urios did not doubt for a second when the referee of the quarter-final of the European Cup between Bordeaux-Bègles and Racing whistled a penalty for the UBB, in stoppage time, 52 m from the posts.

And Matthieu Jalibert has indeed managed this winning kick which offers his club a victory on the wire and a place in the last European square.

"It is the pride of the champion," says Christophe Urios.

He did not procrastinate.

Our eyes met and in three seconds I understood.

"

🏆 #RugbyPack

🏉 We show you the victorious UBB penalty, signed Matthieu Jalibert 🔥 # UBBvR92 pic.twitter.com/S41ZBqYMLO

- beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) April 11, 2021

This victorious penalty rewards a new successful performance by the young opener (22 years old, 9 selections), who scored 24 points for his team at the foot.

Known for his liveliness and his ability to attack the line and find spaces, Matthieu Jalibert has this time evolved into another register.

“He was very, very good in occupying the field, it was important, greets Christophe Urios.

And also in his attitude and in the management of the match.

"

READ ALSO>

"I like to provoke": who is Matthieu Jalibert, the opener chamber of the XV of France

“Since January, he has only increased his level of output output, admits his captain Jefferson Poirot, admiringly.

I'm happy for him and also for us.

It gives the pack confidence, and me too as captain, to know that we have a player like that who succeeds everything at the foot

(Editor's note: 8 out of 9 on Sunday)

.

He knows how to handle the match at critical moments and accelerate when needed.

"

Morning essentials newsletter

A tour of the news to start the day

Subscribe to the newsletterAll newsletters

This ability to manage the game, to delay when needed, of course pleased his coach, even if he found it "less flamboyant than usual".

Another small criticism, "his last penalty gives me a fool, he must not do that", specifies Christophe Urios.

Matthieu Jalibert was indeed penalized five minutes from the end and allowed Racing to equalize.

It was before his 82nd minute mammoth kick.

"So we forgive him," smiles the Bordeaux coach.

Christophe Urios also welcomes the recent statements of his colt who said in L'Equipe that he wants to take more responsibility.

“He's been exposed a lot this week.

I like people who say things and take responsibility.

They are the ones who move clubs and teams forward.

Beyond being a great player, he's a great guy, ”admires his manager.

An XXL performance which will also relaunch his match with Toulouse Romain Ntamack, his competitor for the position of number 10 of the XV of France.

During the Six Nations Tournament, Matthieu Jalibert took control of the French game, while Romain Ntamack was coming back from injury.

Before giving him room for the last match against Scotland, due to a shock received against Wales.

Their distance duel continued this Sunday: one hour after Jalibert's 24 points, Ntamack also offered the victory to his Toulouse club, scoring the 21 points of his team's victory in Clermont (21-12) .

Chance of the draw, for the semi-final, the two prodigies will be face to face during an enticing Toulouse-Bordeaux (April 30, May 1 or May 2).