Jalibert turns down France and McKenzie makes way for Barrett in All Blacks

PARIS (AP) — Flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert chose not to be picked as a reserve for France against New Zealand in the autumn rugby test this weekend, Les Triolores coach Fabien Galthié confirmed on Thursday.

Jalibert was France’s World Cup flyhalf last year in the absence of the injured Romain Ntamack and for the start of the Six Nations. Ntamack was ruled out of this autumn campaign by a recent injury but usual fullback Thomas Ramos started at flyhalf against Japan last weekend and retained the 10 jersey against the All Blacks this Saturday at Stade de France.

Jalibert came off the bench against Japan. Against New Zealand, he was reportedly disappointed not to start and subsequently didn’t want to be in the reserves.

“Everyone has their own emotions and is free to share them,” Galthié said. “We need determination, strong players. Up until now he’s always given his best. He will continue with the national team, if he so chooses. It’s down to him to decide.”

Galthié made four changes, including a debut for Bordeaux fullback Romain Buros.

Buros replaces Leo Barré, and Gabin Villière comes in at right wing with Damian Penaud ill and his matchday replacement, Théo Attissogbe, out with a sprained left ankle.

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Veteran center Gaël Fickou comes back into midfield for his 92nd cap alongside Yoram Moefana, with Émilien Gailleton going to the reserves.

The lone change in the forwards sees Paul Boudehent — who scored two second-half tries in the 52-12 win against Japan — replacing a concussed François Cros at flanker.

“(Buros) is in form with his club, he’s been in form when he trains with us, and he’s full of confidence,” Galthié said. “Léo fell a little bit short and that’s why it was time for Romain to get the jersey.

“It’s a dream (come true for him). There isn’t a player in France who wouldn’t want to play this match. Romain is very good in the air and there will probably be 30 kicks to contest against the All Blacks.”

Galthié chose a 6-2 split of forwards and backs on the bench — including former captain Charles Ollivon’s return — to try and match the All Blacks’ impact forwards.

“It’s a very strategic choice because we believe we’ll need a maximum of activity and collective strength,” he said. “Against Japan we had 42 minutes of ball in play, 234 tackles, but this will be different. There will be a lot of runs, of positioning without the ball, and a lot of attention on the last 20 meters. In the last few weeks, the All Blacks have won a lot of decisive penalties in the last three or four scrums.”

France and New Zealand met in the opening game of the 2023 World Cup, which France won 27-13 with Jalibert a starter. The All Blacks went on to reach the final at Stade de France, losing to South Africa.

New Zealand dramatically edged England 24-22 two weeks ago at Twickenham and beat Ireland 23-13 in Dublin last Friday.

Damian McKenzie’s brilliant game against Ireland wasn’t enough to keep the All Blacks 10 jersey, which was restored to Beauden Barrett.

Barrett and hooker Codie Taylor were concussed against England and missed the Ireland win. They have both returned.

McKenzie and Asafo Aumua have dropped to the reserves.

Injuries to flanker Sam Cane (head) and winger Mark Tele’a (hand) have given starts to Samipeni Finau and Sevu Reece respectively.

To accommodate Finau on the blindside flank, Wallace Sititi has moved to No. 8 and Ardie Savea to the openside.

Also, Cam Roigard has won the scrumhalf’s start, swapping with Cortez Ratima. Roigard’s kicking game was the difference, Robertson said.

The All Blacks haven’t beaten France in Paris since 2018.

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Lineups:

France: Romain Buros, Gabin Villière, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (captain); Grégory Alldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros. Reserves: Reda Wardi, Julien Marchand, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickaël Guillard, Charles Ollivon, Nolann Le Garrec, Émilien Gailleton.

New Zealand: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie. ___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby