Matthieu Jalibert blow for France sees Galthie reshuffle backline

France have been forced into a late reshuffle ahead of their third Six Nations outing after Matthieu Jalibert was ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Italy in Lille.

Fabien Galthié’s unbeaten side had been due to line up with the Bordeaux Bègles man pulling the strings at fly-half, but the French Rugby Federation (FFR) confirmed on Saturday evening that the 27-year-old will play no part.

Initially, no specific reason for his withdrawal has been given. In a brief statement the FFR said: “Unfortunately, Matthieu Jalibert has to declare himself out for the match against Italy. He is replaced in the starting XV by Gaël Dréan, who will honour his first cap with the France XV.”

However, the player himself took to X to assure fans, writing: “A slight discomfort in my calf forces me to withdraw from tomorrow’s match. Thank you for your messages, I’ll be fully behind my teammates!”

The news is a significant blow for Les Bleus, with the 27-times-capped Jalibert having become one of his country’s leading stars in the absence of the injured Romain Ntamack. Rumours of a rift between Galthié and Jalibert have been doing the rounds since the No.10 voluntarily left France camp last year after an apparent falling out, but there’s nothing to suggest his withdrawal is anything other than a calf issue.

It forces Galthié’s hand. A new-look backline has now been named on the eve of the match at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, with Gaël Dréan stepping into the starting XV on the wing, where he will win his first cap.

The 25-year-old has impressed at club level with Toulon with his pace and finishing ability and is viewed as one of the more explosive up-and-coming outside backs in the Top 14.

The reshuffle sees Toulouse’s Thomas Ramos move to the No.10 jersey, with Théo Attissogbe moving to fullback. The midfield pairing of Fabien Brau-Boirie and Émilien Gailleton remains intact, while Louis Bielle-Biarrey provides his usual threat on the left wing.

The match kicks off at 3.10pm UK time.

Updated France team:
1. Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2. Julien Marchand, 3. Dorian Aldegheri, 4. Thibaud Flament, 5. Emmanuel Meafou, 6. François Cros, 7. Oscar Jegou, 8. Anthony Jelonch, 9. Antoine Dupont (c), 10. Thomas Ramos, 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12. Fabien Brau-Boirie, 13. Émilien Gailleton, 14. Gaël Dréan, 15. Théo Attissogbe; 16. Peato Mauvaka, 17. Rodrigue Neti, 18. Georges-Henri Colombe, 19. Charles Ollivon, 20. Mickaël Guillard, 21. Léo Nouchi, 22. Baptiste Serin, 23. Pierre-Louis Barassi