Scott Quinnell named Wales captain

Scott Quinnell: Pips Gibbs and Howley to the captaincy

Scott Quinnell will captain Wales for the first time against South Africa on Sunday.

The Llanelli skipper has been named as replacement for Mark Taylor, who was injured against the USA last Saturday.

The favourite to fill the breach had been experienced Swansea centre Scott Gibbs, but coach Graham Henry has turned instead to the big number eight.

Mark Taylor was himself a replacement for Cardiff prop David Young - a calf injury ruled him out of the autumn internationals.

Quinnell will be hoping to avoid the injury jinx that seems to be striking Wales' leaders.

Scott, playing at number eight, is in a good communication position to captain the side

  Wales coach Graham Henry

Graham Henry

Henry felt that Quinnell's character and position made him the ideal candidate for the role:

"There were a number of candidates but he (Quinnell) has done a very good job as captain of Llanelli," said Henry.

"Scott, playing at number eight, is in a good communication position to captain the side. I think he'll be very positive, very upfront and lead by example. "

"He went to Dublin (for the tourists' Ireland game) and so he's seen the South Africans in action as well."

What do you think of Henry's choice?