Fast start for Evans but it’s far from pretty
STEFF Evans proved he is ready for a Wales call with a try on his return as Scarlets ran out convincing winners, and really should have have doubled their score.
They scored six tries but blew five further try-scoring opportunities. Although it mattered little against a poor Zebre side, they cannot afford such profligacy in their forthcoming trips to Munster and Leinster if they are to retain their top four place.
Head coach Wayne Pivac said: “It’s five points in the bank and we got through it relatively unscathed but it wasn’t pretty.
“We had a lot of chances and left a few out there as we were over eager at times and over complicated instead of going hard for the line.
“Munster will be a major step up. They’ve had a fabulous season and the only team to beat us at home.”
Scarlets will have to play considerably better to have any chance of reversing that result for despite the whole-hearted efforts of their pack, in which Aaron Shingler and James Davies shone, Evans aside their backs performed miserably.
On a perfect night for handling, Johnny Mcnicholl didn’t catch a ball, Hadleigh Parkes was cumbersome and persisted with fruitless chips ahead leaving it to wings, Evans and Tom Williams, to show some sparkle with a try apiece.
Evans was released from the Welsh squad to enjoy some game time and was lively enough to be considered for a starting spot against Scotland next Saturday should George North not recover in time.
Evans said: “It was nice to be back playing but we weren’t up to scratch in certain areas. I’ve enjoyed myself with the Welsh squad, the training is more intense and your rugby brain is tested.
“It was good to be involved in the final training run last week but I’ll bide my time and if it comes, I’ll be ready to go.”
An early Evans’ try put Scarlets ahead before the Italians levelled when a neat break from Giulio Bisegni sent Mattia Bellini over.
Shingler forced his way over from close range before Zebre gifted a third try when they carelessly lost possession, allowing Williams to collect a favourable bounce and race 50 metres to score.
After the restart, Tom Price scored his first try for the region before Bruno Postiglioni was yellow carded for a no arms tackle.
Scarlets capitalised by winning a penalty try award when Zebre collapsed a 5m scrum. Dan Jones converted with his 24th consecutive successful kick before Will Boyde broke away from a maul to round off the scoring.