High-level is ruthless. As soon as Romain Ntamack’s injury was confirmed, thoughts turn to the near future. The key player of the French national XV leaves both the attack and the half-back pairing he formed with Antoine Dupont in a vulnerable state.

So, who will be the fortunate one to replace him?

The first name that comes to mind is undoubtedly Matthieu Jalibert. As a starter for Union Bordeaux-Bègles and a usual substitute, it would be logical to catapult him into a starting role for the World Cup. Especially considering he had begun the tests against Japan in the summer Series of 2022.

However, Jalibert excels as a finisher. We recall his remarkable performances coming off the bench against Australia, South Africa, and Japan in the autumn of 2022.

Thus, considering Antoine Hastoy as an option could be interesting. The La Rochelle starter, a Bayonne native, is much more composed and delivered an impressive Champions Cup final against Leinster last May.

Consequently, Hastoy could be a starter with Jalibert as a substitute.

Let’s not forget other options like Thomas Ramos or Léo Berdeu. Ramos has the advantage of being familiar with Antoine Dupont in Toulouse and would fit well in the half-back pairing. Berdeu, the Lyon player, had a strong end in his season with Lyon, displacing Lima Sopoaga to the bench (quite a feat).

Regardless, France have resources at the fly-half position, but has lost one of its best players just a month before the opening match against New Zealand.