Romain Ntamack suspended after receiving red card against Wales
- Romain Ntamack received a three-match ban after being sent off for a high tackle on Ben Thomas during the Six Nations match against Wales.
- Matthieu Jalibert replaces Ntamack as the fly half in the upcoming match against England, following a previous rift with the head coach.
- Despite the suspension, Ntamack may return for crucial matches later in the tournament as France aims for the title.
France's national rugby team faces a significant setback as Romain Ntamack, their fly half, has been suspended following a red card received in a match against Wales. The incident occurred late in the game, where Ntamack tackled Ben Thomas high, leading to his dismissal. Initially facing a six-match ban, NTamack's suspension was reduced to three matches due to his acknowledgment of the offense and his previously clean record. Furthermore, with successful completion of World Rugby’s coaching intervention program, the suspension could be further cut down to two matches. This suspension will prevent him from playing in the vital Six Nations clash against England, scheduled for February 8 at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. In response to Ntamack’s absence, Matthieu Jalibert has been named as his replacement in the starting lineup. Jalibert had previously left the French squad amid discontent over his limited role during the Autumn Nations Series but has received a chance to prove himself once more. The team looks to make necessary adjustments to maintain momentum in their title pursuit in the ongoing Six Nations tournament. Notably, this clash with England is significant; France aims to build upon their strong performance against Wales, hoping to replicate the success of their previous meeting with England at Twickenham, where they achieved a 53-10 victory. With a dynamic backline featuring players from influential clubs like Bordeaux and Toulouse, France will enter the match with an attacking mindset, working to bolster their position in this year's Six Nations, where securing victories is crucial for their title ambitions. Looking forward, Romain Ntamack may only miss one match against England, with the opportunity to return for the crucial games against Italy on February 23 and Ireland on March 8, signaling France’s strategy to balance discipline with a strong competitive spirit in the tournament. Overall, while the loss of Ntamack is a challenge, the French squad appears determined to adapt and leverage their depth as they continue their Six Nations campaign.