We will end up believing that Romain Ntamack does not have the right to happiness. The Stade Toulousain flyhalf, whose return with the XV of France for the fall tour was expected like the messiah, will not find the blue jersey against Japan. During Toulouse’s big victory against Clermont this weekend (48-14), Ntamack stopped short, then held his lower leg, before leaving, head bowed, Ernest Wallon’s lawn. Verdict: calf tear, between three and four weeks of unavailability, according to RMC and The Team.
The XV of France begins its autumn tour against Japan on November 9. The Toulouse man will not be there, as has been the case for 15 months now, ironically. There is still hope for the Blues’ two other matches against New Zealand (11/16) and Argentina (11/22), although it is difficult to see the point in bringing back a player returning from injury, all Ntamack that he is, against the All Blacks.
While waiting for his return, Thomas Ramos, effective interim, should return to the position of number 10. Unless the staff changes their mind about Matthieu Jalibert between now and the announcement of the lineup against the Brave Blossom. Either way, France will once again be deprived of its best option at the opening.
