It had become a myth. France have been searching for a rugby-talented opening half for years, a reliable foot, a firm hand and the ability to lead France’s 16th in the game for years. Finding yourself. Can’t even imagine the shortage of specialists in France a few months ago.

As of this Thursday, coach Fabian Galti and his staff will have to pick Matthew Joliebert (22, 10 caps) to announce the structure of France XVI. The Blues’ last five games, after a two-month absence (with a jaw injury) since 2019, have been owned by Romain Natamak (21, 18 caps). “This is the King’s Choice”, Alan Penard summarizes the previous International Opening Half (32 selections between 1992 and 2000). Review the strengths and weaknesses of both, which are inevitably subjective.

L’animation offense. They are similar in offensive management: they have good hands, go fast and play close to the achievement line, ”said Alain Penard. The same story as the other 10, David Scrola (23 choices between 2001 and 2011): “They are very similar. At a young age they attack the line and watch the game well. “In game management, David Scola recalls, ‘Romaine already has the experience of the 2019 World Cup.’ Jalibert achievement.

Defense. In this area, “The important thing is not to leave any place and drop the opponent quickly. From this point of view, the qualities of these two great players are equal, ”says Alain Penard. Who describes the romaine Natamak, who is often used in a center position at Toulouse Stadium, as “perhaps a little more solid and a little more man-made”? “Romaine is strong,” Scrola admits. Although Matthew Jalibert never suffered in this area. ” Ntamack gain.

Game kicking. Here, too, Jollybert and Stink are very close. “They both stumble well, have a very good kicking game, including revenue, and are high and accurate,” Scora analyzes. Statistics need to be requested to show the minimum difference between the two. Roman Ntomac had an 85% victory over the Blues, while Jollibert continued to score 2 out of 5 against Paul Cellars in Ireland. Ntamack gain.

The shape of the moment. Roman Ntomac, who played 69 minutes in the league against Brive, returned to action last Saturday. On December 28, Matthew Jalibert suffered a broken jaw during a top 14 match against UBB. Earlier, Toulouse had missed both of the Blues’ November games due to a thigh injury. At this point, Jalibert made his hole and discovered the automata with Strom half Antoine DuPont, a friend and confidante of Entomac in Toulouse. “For the sequel, Matthew Jalibert can start and enter the romaine game late,” said David Schreila. Jalibert achievement.

What if they both play? Between these two frustrated players in the blue, “This is a tough choice,” David recognizes Scrola. Why don’t they play together? Ntamack could play center or Jalibert could evolve into the back position as he did with the club on Saturday. “In All Black, there was a lot of competition in the opening between Monga and Barrett, and the staff chose to replace the ones behind,” Alan Penard recalls. But among the blues, the ficou-vakatawa takes place in the middle of the pair and behind Bryce Dulin’s victory. Under these circumstances, it is likely that Jollybert or Natamak will be on the bench on Saturday. Without a disaster for those deported there. “It simply came to our notice then. The substitute can play for 20, 30 minutes or more and his entry will be crucial, ”said Alain Penard. “One can complete another,” confirms David Schreila. We don’t play at 15 or 23 anymore. Also, when it comes to the 2023 World Cup, we always need at least two good 10s that are valid. “