Maxime Medard / Napoleoni Nalaga

[Stillknox]

Everybody on the international community knows some Top 14 stars like Vincent Clerc, Cedric Heymans, Delasau, Cohen, Rougerie, Caucaunibuca in the past, or even Julien Malzieu since the last 6 Nations... but what about these two wingers, who are actually Top14's best tries scorer ?

A little introduction:

Maxime Médard

Club: Toulouse (formed at the club, pro since 2005)
Nationality: French
Age: 21
Position: Wing, Fullback
Stats: 10 tries in Top 14, 2 in H-Cup
Business card: H-Cup winner in 2005, Under-21 World Champion in 2006

After Poitrenaud big injury, Heymans was definitively moved at fullback and Medard was able to prove is value. He scored many tries since then and did some excellent performance, including the last one in H-Cup Quarter Final. He's almost sure to get his first cap with les Bleus next year.

Video: Here in this compilation of Toulouse latest tries, he scores the most of it: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=KB8QJeHM8JI

Napoléoni Vonwale Nalaga

Club: ASM Clermont Auvergne (since 2006-2007 season)
Nationality: Fijian
Age: 21
Position: Wing
Stats: 11 tries in Top 14
Business card: Son of international player Kavekini Nalaga (who played RWC 87), international for 7 and at -21 level.

During the 6 Nations period, with the absence of Rougerie and Malzieu, he had the opportunity to play some match, and was simply amazing. Scored 11 tries in only 7 games (!) and most of them were superb. Now he has has pushed Malzieu and another Fijian, Delasau, on the bench. He said that his ambitions are to play in Super 14 and for Fiji.

Video: His best try, he's a little lucky but what a try : http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=f9MQWt6sAp4


Not bad, uh ? What do you think of them ?

 

[Fa'atau82]

Nalaga is one for the future for Fiji, simply another star to roll off the production line. I would expect him to succeed his more established teammates in the Fiji line-up as well. He would be a good test in the Pacific 6 Nations.

As for Medard, he looks like a good player coming into form at the right time and looks a great prospect.

 

[erwanseb]

Napoléoni Vonwale Nalaga has not played for Fiji yet (except 7's and U21) , therefore he could still choose (I am not 100% sure there) to play for France, provided that he waits a couple of years.

That would be poaching but what is the player intent ?

As for Medard, he is U21 world champion in 2006 and was absolutely unbelievable at U19 world championship in 2005 (until he was concussed in a sf against Australia).

 

[Fa'atau82]

Pacific Islands rugby is getting much better now in it's organisation and by the time Nalaga gets into the team, Fiji Rugby could be quite competitive. He should be played in the Pacific Nations Cup, as there is no guarantee that he'd get many caps for France if he did ever qualify. he'd be better off with Fiji IMHO.

 

[Charles]

I think any involvement with a national side (be it 7's or U21) captures your eligibility. Has to be checked though.

 

[Angus25]

Medard is a very good player, he is quick and powerful. He is very interesting becouse it's a versatile player (he can plays wing and fullback). It's futur great player for the france

Nalaga is a revelation of this season, a player of 21 years arrival in the half of the season and he is ever the best scorer of the top 14! :bravo: