Marcoussis (France) (AFP)

After the withdrawal of Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack is the only professional opener of the XV of France for the duel against Wales on Saturday night.

But with Thomas Ramos and Anthony Bouthier "convenience stores", alternatives exist.

Ntamack-Jalibert is the duo favored by coach Fabien Galthié since taking office in November 2019. Toulousain Ntamack (21 years old, 16 caps) has established himself as the team's strategist since his emergence during the last World Cup.

As for the Bordelais Jalibert (22 years old, 5 sel.), He is number 2 in the hierarchy.

The young pair participated in all four matches of the 2020 Six Nations Tournament, before the postponement of the last meetings in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Galthié counted on relying again on the holder and his substitute for the reception, at the Stade de France, of the Welsh.

A sort of dress rehearsal for the Blues before their most important match of the autumn against Ireland on October 31, the last counting for the Tournament which they still have a small chance of winning.

But a stroke of bad luck arrived with the absence of Jalibert "for medical reasons".

Galthié chose to replace him, not by another opener but by the Toulon winger and neophyte Gabin Villière (24 years old), one of the best in his position in the league since the start of the season.

So, who to compensate for a possible physical problem with Ntamack?

To play opener, "it is my dream for always", launched the Toulouse left pillar Cyril Baille (27 years old, 20 sel.) Tuesday during a press briefing.

- "+ Antho + has the qualities" -

More seriously, eyes are logically turning to the versatile full-backs Bouthier (28 years old, 4 sel.) And Ramos (25 years old, 11 sel.).

The first, holder in N.15 with the Blues, played the last two days of Top 14 at the position of opener to replace Handré Pollard (injured), with Montpellier.

"I will play the position that will be given to me," assured Tuesday the one who broke late in Blue, recalling that the position of opener was that of his debut.

For the Toulon scrum-half Baptiste Serin (26 years old, 37 sel.), Also capable of playing opener, "+ Antho + has the qualities to play at both positions".

"I know this debate, I had it throughout my early career. We both have a favorite position (but) we are there to help out from time to time", continues the N.2 at the position of half scrum in the French team, behind Antoine Dupont.

Ramos, he won the final of the 2019 French championship with Toulouse as the opener.

He occupied it again, on October 10, against Racing 92 (victory 30-24) when Romain Ntamack was punctually repositioned in three-quarter center, his second position.

- Turn -

It would therefore not be surprising to see Ramos assist at the Stade de France one who is also his club partner.

Especially since the native of Mazamet (Tarn) is also skilful against poles.

Under the Galthié era, he has so far only participated in two matches, in Wales (27-23 victory) and Scotland (28-17 defeat).

Against the Welsh, Galthié could also have called the Toulon opener Louis Carbonel (21), double U20 world champion, who appeared in an expanded list of 42 players before the start of the Tournament.

But the coach also knows he will have to turn.

The bitter negotiations between the Federation (FFR) and the League (LNR) have given birth to a compromise: each player can be aligned on three match sheets at most of the six meetings scheduled for this fall.

Besides Carbonel, the Palois Antoine Hastoy (23 years old, 0 selection), convincing since the start of the season, is applying.

See Jules Plisson.

But, despite a great start to the season, the 29-year-old Rochelais (16 caps) is already a veteran.

© 2020 AFP