Rugby Union: Llanelli look to Evans

Ieuan Evans is determined to use his vast experience to give Llanelli a crucial edge in the Heineken European Cup quarter-final in Brive today.

It will be the Lions winger's job to to stop the new sensation of French rugby, Sebastian Carat, but the Llanelli captain is feeling up to the task. "I've played against Nigel Walker in recent years, and rugby players don't come any quicker than that," said Evans. "It would be a major boost for Welsh rugby if we could follow in Leicester's footsteps and win a European tie on French soil," he claimed. "This is the big time, and I believe it suits us that Brive will want to attack from everywhere. If we can secure some quick second-phase ball, then we intend running back at them."

Evans also believes the stand-off Frano Botica can keep Llanelli in contention, although not necessarily through his prodigious goal-kicking ability. "Frano has made an enormous difference to us. He gets the back line moving well and is a great tackler," Evans said. "We've needed a top-level No 10 for a few seasons, and now we've got one of the best around."