‘I don’t have much hope’: France brace for Matthieu Jalibert blow

France fly-half Matthieu Jalibert is an injury doubt for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series after suffering a thigh problem in Union Bordeaux-Bègles’ 41–12 win over Bayonne at the Matmut Atlantique on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old delivered another composed display in a dominant team performance but was forced off in the 74th minute after appearing to feel discomfort in his right thigh.

Jalibert immediately signalled to the bench and left the field limping, replaced by Martin Page-Relo.

Speaking to Canal+ after the match, Jalibert said the injury was in an area where he has had previous issues: “I felt something strange in my thigh, the same area where I’ve had issues for a few years,” he said. “From how it feels, it doesn’t seem very positive.

“I know it’s a sensitive spot for me. Honestly, I don’t have much hope. It kind of ruins the night for me.”

The win itself was a statement display from Yannick Bru’s side, who secured a bonus point through tries from Damian Penaud (2), Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Salesi Rayasi and Xan Mousques. Maxime Lucu added four conversions and a penalty, while Bayonne crossed twice through Sireli Maqala and Cheikh Tiberghien.

Jalibert’s injury casts a major shadow on the win however. He had been central to Bordeaux’s control of the contest, playing a key role in the opening-quarter tries and managing the game effectively before his withdrawal.

If it’s as severe as the standoff suggests, it should see him ruled out of France’s training camp in Marcoussis next week and would make him a major doubt for the Test against South Africa on November 8 in Marseille.

Capped 35 times for Les Bleus, Jalibert has been one of the standout performers in the Top 14’s early rounds and was widely expected to start at fly-half against Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks.

Galthié has already lost back-row Lenni Nouchi form his wider squad. He was replaced by Bordeaux’s Pierre Bochaton.