Lee Briers - the new Jonathan
Davies?

Lee Briers will follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Davies on Saturday if he can lead Wales to European Nations Cup glory in Carcasonne against France (kick-off 5pm CET).

Davies was the last Wales skipper to lift the trophy which coincidently was also in France following a 22-10 win in Carcassonne in 1995.

Briers plays in the stand-off position, just like Davies used to and like Davies, he has played out of his skin for Wales in a European Cup campaign.

Briers was the man of the match in both of Wales? group matches and it is those performances that have led to comparisons with the former dual-code international.

Briers said: ?I?ve been very pleased with my performance so far in the tournament and it is an honour to be mentioned in the same light as such a great player like Jonathan.

I?m happy to have such a great team supporting me. Everyone?s put in excellent performances so far this autumn, the quality of our forwards especially have made my job a lot easier. I now hope we can all keep up the good work and win in France on Saturday.?

Wales coach Martin Hall, who starred with Davies ten years ago, adds: ?I obviously can?t compare the players like for like but as far as terms as what Briers has done, it mirrors what Davies achieved in 1995. There?s plenty of similarities - two excellent performances, both stand-offs, both take the kicks and we?re playing the final in Carcassonne. They?re both great players in their own right.

?Briers has achieved what he has set out to do and led us to the final. We?re going to come up against a formidable team in France who could have easily beaten England a couple of weeks ago. It?s going to be tough.?

Wales? 20-man squad leave for France on Thursday morning.