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DeutschMatthieu Jalibert returns as France target Six Nations title against Scotland
Matthieu Jalibert has been passed fit to steer France from fly half as they target the Six Nations title against Scotland.
A bonus-point victory in Edinburgh would be enough for Les Bleus to secure the defence of their title with a round to spare, with Jalibert’s return a significant boost.
The Bordeaux Begles playmaker had been a late withdrawal from the side that beat Italy in round three, suffering a minor injury that forced a backline reshuffle after Thomas Ramos stepped in at No 10.
With Jalibert back, Ramos returns to full-back and Theo Attissogbe to the right wing, while the fly half’s club colleagues Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortere are reunited in the centres after injury.
Mickael Guillard and Charles Ollivon are preferred to Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament in the second row, and Anthony Jelonch overcomes an injury scare to continue at No 8.
On the bench, scrum half Baptiste Serin is poised to earn a 50th cap as cover to captain Antoine Dupont.
France XV to face Scotland in Edinburgh (Saturday 7 March, 2.10pm GMT): 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Julien Marchand, 3 Dorian Aldegheri; 4 Charles Ollivon, 5 Mickael Guillard; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Oscar Jegou, 8 Anthony Jelonch; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 14 Theo Attissogbe; 15 Thomas Ramos.
Replacements: 16 Peato Mauvaka, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Thibaud Flament, 20 Emmanuel Meafou, 21 Lenni Nouchi; 22 Baptiste Serin, 23 Pierre-Louis Barassi.
Fact Check: Will Sanju Samson miss T20 World Cup semi-final vs England over a possible ban?
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The moment came at the end of a tense chase when Samson sealed India’s victory with a boundary. As the ball raced away, the right-handed batter removed his helmet and dropped it onto the ground before falling to his knees and offering a prayer. The emotional celebration quickly went viral, with some observers suggesting the act might fall under the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct related to equipment abuse.
Sanju Samson's possible ban: What do the ICC rules say?
A closer look at the rules suggests that the fears of a suspension are largely misplaced. Under Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players can be penalised for “abuse of cricket equipment,” which includes actions such as throwing or striking items like helmets, bats, or stumps in frustration. The rule also covers deliberate damage to advertising boards, boundary fences, or dressing room fixtures.
Even if Samson’s act were to be reviewed under this provision, it would most likely fall under a Level 1 offence — the lowest category of disciplinary breaches. Level 1 incidents typically attract fines or demerit points rather than suspensions.
Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary also dismissed the speculation, explaining that Samson’s gesture appeared to be an emotional celebration rather than an act of anger or protest. According to him, such moments are common in high-pressure matches and are rarely treated as serious offences.
Recent examples support this interpretation. Scotland’s George Munsey received only one demerit point earlier in the tournament after throwing his helmet in frustration following his dismissal.
As things stand, there has been no official charge or complaint against Samson from match officials. India are scheduled to face England in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5, and the wicketkeeper-batter remains fully eligible to play.
Griezmann delays his transfer for one last trophy with Atlético
Before the MLS, Griezmann wants to deliver one last title to Atlético
Griezmann / @x.com/atletiuniverse/
French international Antoine Griezmann, the star of Atlético Madrid, has decided to postpone his move to the American club Orlando City during the first transfer window in the United States, which closes on March 26.
Before the MLS, Griezmann wants to deliver one last title to Atlético
According to information revealed by ESPN, Griezmann’s decision comes after Atlético Madrid qualified for the Copa del Rey final. The French forward has chosen to stay with his team to help them clinch the trophy before considering a new adventure in Major League Soccer.
The 2018 World Cup winner played a crucial role in Los Colchoneros’ qualification against FC Barcelona, scoring the second goal in the first leg. That strike only strengthened his resolve to finish the season in style with the Madrid club.
Griezmann also hopes to feature in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham, scheduled for March 18, with the ambition of propelling Atlético Madrid to the quarterfinals.
A true club icon, Griezmann is one of Atlético’s most influential players of the modern era. He ranks fourth in the club’s all-time appearances with 483 matches and remains Atlético Madrid’s top scorer with 210 goals.
Griezmann settles scores with Barça after Atlético's qualification