France have named Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half as one of two changes for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with England at Allianz Stadium.
Jalibert replaces Romain Ntamack after the Toulouse playmaker was suspended for three matches for a dangerous tackle on Wales’ Ben Thomas in round one.
Ntamack’s ban will be reduced by a game if he completes World Rugby’s course on tackle technique, meaning he could return for the title showdown with Ireland on March 8.
‘Le Crunch’ will be Jalibert’s first appearance for France since leaving the camp for mental health reasons during the autumn.
“Once we saw Romain Ntamack’s red card, we started to work on a solution that same night,” head coach Fabien Galthie told reporters.
“From that moment, the option of Matthieu Jalibert came clear. It’s obvious, it’s coherent, it’s logical.
“Matthieu is an example of a top quality player who has experienced good and bad moments.”
Damian Penaud is named on the right wing in place of Theo Attissogbe having recovered from a toe injury.
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) February 6, 2025
France team to play England in Six Nations
Forwards: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio, 4 Alexandre Roumat, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt
Backs: 9 Antoine Dupont (Captain), 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Damian Penaud, 15 Thomas Ramos
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Emilien Gailleton