FRANCE GAMBLE ON TEEN JALIBERT
MATTHIEU JALIBERT will strive to impersonate Owen Farrell tomorrow when France’s 19-year-old rookie becomes the youngest No 10 to start a Championship match since 1968. The Bordeaux Begles fly-half was picked yesterday for a daunting debut in his country’s NatWest 6 Nations opener against Ireland at the Stade de France. He is the youngest player to fill the role of primary playmaker for any of the participating nations since Billy McCombe debuted for Ireland in the same fixture 50 years ago. Jalibert has exploded on to the scene this season with a series of stunning performances for his club in the Top 14 league and European Challenge Cup. Eye-catching solo tries against Agen and Newcastle have become internet hits and his combination of pace, vision and footwork mark him out as a rare talent. Jalibert’s flair is matched by his work ethic and he is also a student of the game and a big admirer of one English rival. Asked who he looks up to, Jalibert said: ‘Owen Farrell. ‘I hope to have the opportunity to play against him. Owen is someone I ardently follow. ‘I analyse a lot of his videos. I love watching him play because I find him super elegant. He is also really solid defensively.’ Former Bordeaux coach Jacques Brunel, now in charge of France, is confident his tyro can handle the big occasion. ‘We believe he is able to play at this level,’ he said. ‘He has what it takes to take the lead. He is mature enough, even if the Irish are going to take care of him.’