The first goal, not called up by Fabien Galthié to face Argentina, will return to the field this Saturday evening with his club.
After asking Fabien Galthié not to be called up to Marcoussis to prepare for the match between the XV of France and Argentina if he was not guaranteed to be on the scoresheet, Matthieu Jalibert, who therefore trained all week in Bordeaux, was starter by Yannick Bru for the resumption of the Top 14.
This Saturday evening, on the Lanterne Rouge pitch in Vannes, as part of the 10th matchday of the championship, the first half will be associated with Yann Lesgourgues at the hinge. And not to Maxime Lucu. The scrum half, reservist of France-Argentina, was not allowed to play in the Top 14 this Saturday in the name of respecting fairness with the clubs that play on Saturday afternoon and cannot recover their players. Namely the Rochelais Grégory Alldritt, the Clermontois Régis Montagne and the Lyonnais Léo Berdeu.
It’s the world turned upside down. We simply don’t have the right to play players who are our employees even if the French team released them. There are clubs that put pressure on the League and the League has listened to these clubs. This is completely absurd.
Christophe Laussucq, UBB coach
If UBB recovers the three internationals not called up for Friday’s match against Argentina (Pierre Bochaton, Temo Matiu and Romain Buros), it is therefore deprived of Maxime Lucu and hooker Maxime Lamothe, the other two reserves. A decision by the NRL that angered the defense coach of the Girondist club Christophe Laussucq.
“I find it a little strong to talk about a lack of equity knowing that we are still heavily affected by these duplicates. There was an opportunity to limit this lack of equity a little and the opposite is happening. And the clubs, it seems, dare to complain… It’s the world turned upside down. We simply don’t have the right to play players who are our employees even if the French team released them. There are clubs that put pressure on the League and the League has listened to these clubs. This is completely absurd. There is still evidence that the NRL is not a fully independent body that makes its decisions like a big boy.
What impact does player selection variability have on team dynamics in French rugby?
Title: The Road Ahead: An Interview with Rugby Expert Dr. Emmanuelle Lévy on the Dynamics of French Rugby
Setting: A cozy café in Paris, with the buzz of rugby fans preparing for the upcoming matches in the background.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Lévy! It’s a pleasure to have you here today.
Dr. Emmanuelle Lévy (EL): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the latest developments in French rugby.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The recent news about Matthieu Jalibert refusing a call-up to the French national team is intriguing. What motivated his decision, do you think?
EL: It’s a bold move, and I believe it reflects his desire for more game time and consistency on the field. Jalibert made it clear that he wanted assurance of his role in the squad, which speaks volumes about his competitive nature and ambition to contribute significantly to the team.
TNE: Exactly! He trained all week with his club and is now set to start against Vannes. How do you see his return impacting his club’s performance in the Top 14?
EL: Jalibert’s experience and skill set are invaluable. Pairing him with Yann Lesgourgues will create a dynamic mix at the hinge. This combination can really elevate their play, especially given Vannes’ challenging pitch conditions. It’ll be interesting to see how they adapt their strategy to leverage Jalibert’s strengths.
TNE: Speaking of strategy, the exclusion of Maxime Lucu due to fairness rules highlights a broader issue in rugby governance. What are your thoughts on this policy?
EL: It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, enforcing fairness ensures that clubs have a level playing field, particularly for those who don’t have their players available due to international duties. On the other, it can hinder the development of national team candidates who could benefit from more game time. The challenge lies in finding a balance that supports both club competitiveness and national team preparedness.
TNE: And how do you see this balance influencing player morale and club loyalty in the long run?
EL: Player morale can definitely be affected. If athletes feel they can’t express their ambitions or if club loyalty is tested by national team commitments, it could lead to frustration. Clubs must communicate with players and national selectors to ensure that players feel valued and understood in their dual roles. It’s crucial for maintaining a positive atmosphere in both environments.
TNE: How do you foresee Jalibert’s return impacting his chances in the upcoming international matches?
EL: If he performs well, it could re-establish him as a key player during the international season. Consistent performance at the club level will be essential for him to earn a spot in future national selections. It’s a chance for him to reaffirm his capabilities and prove that he deserves to be part of Fabien Galthié’s game plan.
TNE: Indeed! Looking ahead, what do you think are the critical success factors for the French team as they prepare for their match against Argentina?
EL: Firstly, discipline and strategic execution will be key. They need to minimize errors and maintain possession. Additionally, off-field dynamics, including teamwork and player morale, will play a significant role in their overall success. The ability to adapt quickly to the tactical approaches of their opponents will also be crucial, especially against a team like Argentina that has a rich history in physical play.
TNE: Dr. Lévy, your insights are always enlightening. Thank you for your time today!
EL: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure discussing the beautiful game of rugby, and I look forward to what lies ahead for both the clubs and the national team!
[The interview wraps up as fans begin to gather around TVs, eagerly awaiting the matches, with the café buzzing with anticipation.]