French captain Antoine Dupont isn't just back on the pitch after his knee saga; he's also throwing his hefty support behind Matthieu Jalibert. As France gears up for their Six Nations curtain-raiser against Ireland in Paris this Thursday, all eyes are on Jalibert, who's been lighting up the field with Bordeaux Bègles. With Romain Ntamack still on the mend, Jalibert is the man in the hot seat, steering the ship as the starting flyhalf.
Jalibert, the 27-year-old maestro of the midfield, isn't just a temporary fix while Ntamack tunes up; he's a full-blown rugby revelation this season. Dupont, fresh off the injury bench himself, knows a thing or two about the pressures and the spotlight that come with the number 10 jersey. "It is not just today that the No 10s are in the spotlight, whether in a positive or a negative sense," commented Dupont, hinting at the pivotal role flyhalves play.
"Everyone believes in Matthieu. His teammates, the coaching staff, and even you lot,"
he added, acknowledging the media's buzz around Jalibert's form.
As Dupont makes his grand re-entry to Test rugby, having not donned the national jersey since his injury against these very opponents last year, he's not dwelling on the past. Sure, that match saw France triumph and ultimately clinch the Six Nations title, but for Dupont, it's all about looking forward.
"It was honestly an accident that could happen in any match. As it so happened, it was against Ireland, but that hasn’t tainted my preparation."
His focus? "I just want to play a great match and begin the tournament with a victory."
With the stage set for a thrilling opener, France's rugby aficionados and Dupont alike have high hopes for Jalibert to replicate his domestic form on the international stage. It's clear the flyhalf jersey fits him just fine – now it's time to see if he can help pilot France to another victorious campaign. As the team lines up, the blend of experience and fresh talent is palpable, promising a Six Nations opener worth watching.
TEAM: A fit-again Dupont partners with Jalibert for Thursday’s clash, marking a significant return for both players as they seek to start the tournament on a high note.
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French captain Antoine Dupont isn't just back on the pitch after his knee saga; he's also throwing his hefty support behind Matthieu Jalibert. As France gears up for their Six Nations curtain-raiser against Ireland in Paris this Thursday, all eyes are on Jalibert, who's been lighting up the field with Bordeaux Bègles. With Romain Ntamack still on the mend, Jalibert is the man in the hot seat, steering the ship as the starting flyhalf.
Jalibert, the 27-year-old maestro of the midfield, isn't just a temporary fix while Ntamack tunes up; he's a full-blown rugby revelation this season. Dupont, fresh off the injury bench himself, knows a thing or two about the pressures and the spotlight that come with the number 10 jersey. "It is not just today that the No 10s are in the spotlight, whether in a positive or a negative sense," commented Dupont, hinting at the pivotal role flyhalves play.
"Everyone believes in Matthieu. His teammates, the coaching staff, and even you lot,"
he added, acknowledging the media's buzz around Jalibert's form.As Dupont makes his grand re-entry to Test rugby, having not donned the national jersey since his injury against these very opponents last year, he's not dwelling on the past. Sure, that match saw France triumph and ultimately clinch the Six Nations title, but for Dupont, it's all about looking forward.
"It was honestly an accident that could happen in any match. As it so happened, it was against Ireland, but that hasn’t tainted my preparation."
His focus? "I just want to play a great match and begin the tournament with a victory."With the stage set for a thrilling opener, France's rugby aficionados and Dupont alike have high hopes for Jalibert to replicate his domestic form on the international stage. It's clear the flyhalf jersey fits him just fine – now it's time to see if he can help pilot France to another victorious campaign. As the team lines up, the blend of experience and fresh talent is palpable, promising a Six Nations opener worth watching.
TEAM: A fit-again Dupont partners with Jalibert for Thursday’s clash, marking a significant return for both players as they seek to start the tournament on a high note.