Fabien Galthie backs stand-in No 10 Matthieu Jalibert to shine against Italy in Six Nations curtain-raiser after Romain Ntamack injury blow
- Matthieu Jalibert will look to give his France career a boost after a rocky road
- First-choice No 10 Romain Ntamack is out after suffering a double jaw fracture
- France face Italy in Rome in the Six Nations’ opening match of 2021 at 12.45pm
France coach Fabien Galthie has backed stand-in No 10 Matthieu Jalibert to shine against Italy.
The 22-year-old has been drafted into the starting XV for the Six Nations opener after a double jaw fracture ruled Romain Ntamack out of the start of the tournament.
In 2018, Jalibert was tipped as France’s next big prospect before his career was brought to a halt by injury.
Matthieu Jalibert’s France career could be given a shot in the arm during this Six Nations
Romain Ntamack has been ruled out of the start of the tournament with a double jaw fracture
‘He’s ready,’ said Galthie. ‘He’s gained a year in experience. He’s a player who’s on the up and who’s finding his place. He brings all of his talent with him.
‘All the players that we are following create competition which pushes the squad forward. But the competition can give us some (selection) headaches.
‘But the team is a year older now so we want to keep growing together.’
The match will be the first of the 2021 Six Nations and will take place at the Stadio Olimpico at 12.45pm on Saturday.