Quinnell has skippered Llanelli for two seasons and Buchanan is convinced the former rugby league player will have no problem leading out his country at the Millennium Stadium.

"Scott is taking over at a difficult time with Wales having lost two on the trot and by no means firing on all cylinders, but if anyone is the right man for the job it's him," said Buchanan.

"Scott's leadership qualities are unquestionable, you only have to look at his performance last weekend.

"In the face of an Argentine pack that were dominant in so many areas, he was still my man of the match."

Saturday's match against Tonga will not be Quinnell's first experience of leading Wales, as he captained them against South Africa last year, but this time the role is permanent.

Quinnell began his rugby career at Stradey Park, coming through the Wales youth set-up before making his debut in 1993 against Canada at Cardiff Arms Park.

The son of Wales and Lions legend Derek and nephew of the equally revered Barry John, Quinnell turned his back on rugby union in September 1994, signing for the Wigan rugby league club in a �400,000 transfer.

Quinnell was capped for Wales at rugby league before returningd to the 15-man code in 1997 with Richmond, before rejoining Llanelli when the English club went bust.

Quinnell, whose brother Craig is also a Welsh international, was called up for the 1997 Lions tour to South Africa but injury curtailed his involvement.

The giant No 8 more than made up for it this summer in Australia, where he emerged as one of the Lions' outstanding performers.