Matthieu Jalibert returns as France face England in Six Nations

Matthieu Jalibert has been named as France’s starting fly-half for their crucial Six Nations clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Head coach Fabien Galthié has opted to keep Thomas Ramos and Antoine Dupont in their usual positions despite speculation that they might shift to the No. 10 role in the absence of Romain Ntamack.

Ntamack is suspended following his red card in last week’s dominant 43-0 victory over Wales, opening the door for Jalibert’s return. The Bordeaux-Bègles playmaker has not featured for France since early November when he stepped away from the squad after losing his starting role to Ntamack.

Jalibert’s inclusion is one of two changes in the French lineup from the side that overwhelmed Wales in Paris.

The other adjustment sees star winger Damian Penaud reclaim his place in the starting XV after recovering from a toe injury. Penaud’s return forces Theo Attissogbe out of the squad entirely, despite his two-try performance last week.

Galthié has once again opted for a 6:2 forward-heavy split on the bench, with Nolann Le Garrec and Emilien Gailleton providing cover for the backline.

Despite the return of Cyril Baille from injury, Jean-Baptiste Gros retains his place at loosehead prop, with Galthié choosing continuity in his pack. The rest of the forward unit remains unchanged following their dominant display against Wales.

France XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Grégory Alldritt, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 François Cros, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Alexandre Roumat, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros

Reserves: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickaël Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Émilien Gailleton