Players to Watch: France

Maxime Medard:

French rugby at its best oozes flair, and no player in the World Cup squad epitomizes that flair more so than Maxime Medard. Although still only 24, he has already won two Heineken Cups and one Top 14 title with Toulouse, and has proven himself as a French superstar.

With the ability to play at either wing or fullback, he brings a decidedly Southern Hemisphere counter-attacking skill to the French side when playing at 15, and his mazy runs have left defenders in his wake across Europe. Like team-mates Vincent Clerc and Cedric Heymans, he creates space from nothing and can dance past tackles with ease. Certain to move between wing and fullback throughout the tournament, he offers France versatility in their backs and can change a game in an instant.

A close contender is captain Thierry Dusatoir - a wrecking ball of a number 7 who leads from the front and powers the back row along with Imanol Harinordoquy.

Name: Maxime Medard

Age: 24

Position: Fullback/Wing

Teams: Toulouse & France

Test Caps: 16 (38 points)

Height: 1.80m

Weight: 89kg