ROMAIN NTAMACK

ROMAIN NTAMACK is effortlessly elegant both on and off the pitch. While the comparisons with Dan Carter might still feel a little premature at this stage of his career, it’s not a surprise to discover that the France fly-half idolised the All Blacks legend as a youngster. In the same way Carter appeared to glide over the pitch, his running style hides the sort of pace that is rare for a player in his position.

And yet in contrast to Test rugby’s all-time record point-scorer, Ntamack still divides opinion, both in France and internationally. For some he was the standout ten in the Six Nations earlier this year; others argued that he does not impose himself on the game in the manner of a Johnny Sexton or Marcus Smith.

Detractors still believe that fly-half rival Matthieu Jalibert offers the greater attacking threat and a higher ceiling than Ntamack, who appears more content operating in the shadows. There is a reason he does so. Ntamack’s vision of a fly-half in this France team is that of a facilitator. When you have talents