News

Médard up for Howlett challenge

May 23 2008

In the Starting XV to face Munster on Saturday, Toulouse wing Maxime Médard is preparing to round off and outstanding season with a European title.

The last few weeks have been very hectic for the Toulouse squad, having to face the pressures of preparing for a Heineken Cup Final while keeping the club in contention for the Top 14 title. For Médard, like many of the Toulouse players, it's a relief to see light at the end of the tunnel.

"This week could not have come soon enough for us, we're keen to jump right in for this very important match for the club," Médard told Rugbyrama.

"We've all had this match on our minds, but we've also not wanted to neglect the Top 14. We did what was needed. We rotated the squad a lot to allow for a bit of rest. Personally I played two and a half matches out of four. In the end, these last three weeks passed with any major incidents for the group."

Like Toulouse's other wing, Yves Donguy, this will be Médard first final for the club, but he's not the type to get worked up about it.

"I'm not the kind to get worried, nor put too much pressure on myself," said the full-back turned wing.

"You really have to think about it on the actual day. At the start of the week I was laughing, everything was going fine. Though the pressure has risen since Thursday when we flew to Cardiff. But you shouldn't start playing the game until kick-off."

In 2005 Médard just missed out on selection for the European Final, but this year he is looking forward to post-match celebrations at the famous Place du Capitole in the heart of Toulouse.

"I have good memories of 2005 even if I was sad to not have played," he said.

"You know, it's my first final with the club. I'm above all happy and impatient. In 2005, I didn't go taste the victory at the Capitole square, it wouldn't have been right to go since I didn't play. Of course I'd love to on Sunday."

The wing might not like the limelight but admits that this week has been a special one.

"Of course, there was the press conference and I'm a bit shy, so it was a bit peculiar," said the 22-year-old.

"In my first two years I observed and learnt to listen to people. I've challenged myself and I've managed to make enormous physical progress. That said, I'm not yet used to such an infernal tempo, but I need quite a high rhythm to feel good."

Former All Black star Doug Howlett is set to be Médard's opposite number on Saturday, but the youngster, who is one of the top try scorers in the Top 14, is up for the challenge.

"Munster are impressive. I'll have a lot of work to do. Howlett has a lot of selections behind him, but Munster also have a good fly-half and very strong centres," he said.

"They're not in the final by accident. We're going to have to stick to the game plan we put together during the week.

"Doug Howlett, like all the New Zealanders, is a remarkable player who we've got a lot of respect for. But he's not exactly huge either!" he joked.

"Otherwise I'm not having sleepless nights over it. I need to be at my best. I have to be better than him on the field. It'll be up to me on D-day to do produce, maybe not the best game of my life, but one of my best. "

"[The match will be decided] on one or two defensive errors. The only fear I have is for my own performance. It's not being big headed, but I fear only myself."