Between his two prodigies, the coaches of the XV of France have chosen not to choose… and to align together Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack.
The tenure of the two rival openers to face Argentina (this Saturday at 9 p.m. at the Stade de France), the first in number 10, the second in the position of 12 (first center), is hardly in doubt, even if the composition of the team will only be revealed this Thursday.
“It's been a while since we wanted to try to associate them, admitted this Tuesday Laurent Labit, coach of the back lines of the XV of France.
Even before the injuries of Virimi Vakatawa and Arthur Vincent
(the usual three-quarters centers alongside Gaël Fickou, Editor's note)
, we had thought about it.
Offensively, we can imagine the contribution that can have to involve these players.
And defensively, they are next to Gaël (Fickou), our defense captain, they will be used to it ”.
To read also "To have such players is a huge chance": Jalibert and Ntamack, the double blade of the XV of France
The association of the two also makes it possible to multiply the solutions in the kicking game, especially since the new rule known as 50-22 gives importance to this occupation game.
Usual responsibility of the 10 and the 15, it will be based there on the triptych 10-12-15, explained Laurent Labit: "This can create spaces and pose problems to the opposing defense".
Between the three probable holders (Jalibert in 10, Ntamack in 12 and Jaminet in 15), the XV of France also has three reliable scorers.
For Saturday, “the choice of the scorer is made, assured Laurent Labit.
But it is always important to have several scorers, it allows to multiply the solutions during the match ”.
Versatility and complementarity
This association of "complementary" players, according to Labit, is part of the game project of the XV of France which wants to facilitate versatility, including between holders and "finishers".
“It doesn't matter what the job is.
The advantage is that the players are able to adapt to several types of situations, because they have already seen them playing in different positions, ”explains Labit.
Very happy to find the XV of France 🇫🇷✌🏼 @FranceRugby ps: Twitter account recovered 👌🏼 pic.twitter.com/HLnaTMr8To
- Romain Ntamack (@RomainNtamack) October 28, 2021
The back coach also cited the example of Sekou Macalou, the third row of Stade Français, who is tested in training as a winger.
He could cover both positions on the substitutes bench on Saturday.
“We work with him as a winger.
He is a lane player, whether he is in the third row or on the wing, he can express his qualities of speed.
In the offensive phase, it's the same placement, ”said Laurent Labit.
The group of 23 players selected to face Argentina will be announced this Thursday at noon.
The last uncertainties will be resolved at the end of training on Tuesday and Wednesday.