Noves the real deal says Medard

International threequarter Maxime Medard, one of the few Toulouse players without a Heineken Cup winners' medal, believes Noves' meticulous preparation could make all the difference when the triple champions clash with Biarritz Olympique in the landmark 15th final at Stade de France on Saturday.

"Guy's CV speaks volumes - he is an exceptional coach," said 23-year-old Medard, a losing finalist against Munster in Cardiff two years ago.

"I think he is probably the most highly motivated person around at the club, someone who wants to win trophies year in and year out.

"By that I don't mean that the players don't but he puts a lot of himself into this group to help the players be the best at the most appropriate time.

"He always takes a new look at himself and his methods. He is a great source of inspiration, he knows how to speak to the players and he always questions his work and that of the team when things go wrong."

And while Noves is going about the business of attempting to mastermind a record fourth Heineken Cup final triumph Medard is wary of the threat Biarritz Olympique pose - including speed merchant Takudzwa Ngwenya.

"Biarritz Olympique are loaded with experienced players such as Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy and they also have new talents like Taku Ngwenya," said Medard.

"He has improved immensely in such a relatively short time too, because he has only been at Biarritz since after the RWC 2007.

"Initially his performances were based almost exclusively on his pace and running and he used to struggle somewhat with his handling skills. Today he has caught up on that and he is an excellent player. He is amongst the best players in the Top 14 and the Heineken Cup. We know his qualities and it will be hard to stop him.

"And we cannot tell in advance whether the fact that Biarritz players have had more time to recuperate and prepare than us will make a difference on the day. They might be better rested than our players, and we might get tired before them towards the end, but they might have a slower start because we could be sharper since we have not stopped playing. Who knows?

"It will always come down to details out there on the field.

"Mentally and physically it is clear that we both are at different stages. But we know each other well and we lost on their turf the last time we met in the Top 14 in Round 23 so psychologically they may also have a slight advantage.

"We will only find out if we have enjoyed a good season if we get some silverware. If we don't win anything all we will be able to say is that we have made a relatively good season but without a title it will not be complete.

"The defeat in the 2008 final against Munster was tough to bear because I felt that I had been too shy during that game and that I didn't make myself available enough for my team-mates.

"Losing in my first Heineken Cup final was not an easy thing to digest but ultimately we won the Brennus Shield that season so it wasn't all bad and we had something great to cheer about."