Antoine Dupont’s return and Matthieu Jalibert’s control proved a potent mix as France laid down an early marker in the Six Nations.
In the build-up to Les Bleus’ dominant 36-14 Six Nations win over Ireland on Thursday night there was plenty of attention on halfbacks Dupont and Jalibert.
Superstar scrumhalf Dupont was making his first Test appearance since suffering a serious knee injury last March.
In-form flyhalf Jalibert was handed the key playmaking role in the absence of Dupont’s long-time club teammate Romain Ntamack as Fabien Galthie’s side started the defence of their title with a scintillating attacking display.
Dupont set up Jalibert for France’s second try while Jalibert turned the provider for winger Theo Attissogbe in additional time to make sure of a perfect start to their campaign as they aim for back-to-back titles for the first time since 2006 and 2007.
“They are two very good players,” experienced flanker Charles Ollivon told reporters. “Our objective is to put them in the best conditions possible. “Everyone did their job, then it was up to them to express themselves.”
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Dupont and Jalibert had started 14 Tests together before this week’s fixture with the most memorable games ending in defeat, to England in last year’s Six Nations and to the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.
The nuggety scrumhalf’s ability has never been doubted while questions have been raised about 27-year-old Jalibert’s ability to turn club form with Bordeaux Begles to the Test scene.
This season Jalibert has arguably played his best rugby for the Investec Champions Cup holders, crossing eight times and providing more than a dozen assists in 17 games.
Against Ireland he showed moments of brilliance in attack, including a deft chip and chase in the build-up to Ollivon’s 34th-minute try.
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The traditionally harsh French sports daily L’Equipe gave Jalibert an eight out of 10 ranking for his display at the Stade de France.
“I tried to play my game and not get caught up with everything that happens around me,” Jalibert told reporters.
“In certain matches with France in the past, when I came on I had a few regrets because I felt I wasn’t being myself.
“It’s what I wanted to do in this match, give everything, even if it all wasn’t perfect, but to enjoy it and be able to hold my head up high at the end of the match.”
Dupont’s usual partner Ntamack has been out since late December but newspaper Midi Olympique reported he could be back for France’s trip to Wales in round two on 15 February.
One of Ntamack’s main advantages over Jalibert in Galthie’s selection calls has been his defensive displays but against Ireland the Bordeaux Begles playmaker performed well, missing just one of his 12 attempted tackles.
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He was shifted to defend in midfield at times, with club teammates in centres Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere covering the No 10 channel.
“At Bordeaux, I do that often, and we’re used to it with Yoram and Nico,” 36-time international Jalibert said. “It’s something we worked on, it was very clear, and I think in the match it was pretty much positive.”
– AFP
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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Antoine Dupont’s return and Matthieu Jalibert’s control proved a potent mix as France laid down an early marker in the Six Nations. In the build-up to Les Bleus’ dominant 36-14 Six Nations win over Ireland on Thursday night there was plenty of attention on halfbacks Dupont and Jalibert. Superstar scrumhalf Dupont was making his first Test appearance since suffering a… Read more →
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