I’m a better player for autumn experience – Steff
STEFF Evans firmly believes he will be a better player from his autumn experiences with Wales.
Back in regional colours, the Scarlets wing emerged as the home saviour against Benetton on Saturday, scoring a try and then producing two magical moments to set up Paul Asquith’s late, late score in a dramatic 33-28 victory.
Up until then, it had been a frustrating afternoon for the 23-year-old, who featured on the wing in all three of Wales’ Tests against the southern hemisphere heavyweights of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
During the series, Evans made more carries and beat more defenders than any other Wales player, but his defensive stats didn’t make pleasant reading, particularly against the All Blacks.
“It was a great experience going up against the best teams in the world, I learned a lot of things, but it’s a case of coming back and focusing on the Scarlets now,” he said.
“People have had a lot of things to say about my performances, but it is up to me now to concentrate on doing a job for the Scarlets.”
Evans was quick to admit he didn’t have his finest match against the Italians — he wasn’t alone as the Guinness PRO14 champions struggled to rediscover their early-season form against a side reduced to 14 men following the dismissal of lock Francesco Minto for a dangerous tackle on 24 minutes.
But when it mattered, Evans delivered, highlighting the game-changing qualities that has made him such a potent attacking force in domestic rugby over the last 18 months.
“I wasn’t really involved in the game so I had a bit of energy in the tank. I didn’t feel as if I was in the game until the last 10 minutes,” admitted Evans.
On his part in Asquith’s matchwinning try, he added: “I saw they were fully loaded in the front line and the back field was open to put the kick through.
“It is something we work a lot on in training and fair play to Paul, he ran a great support line.”
The bonus-point win keeps the Scarlets in contention for quarterfinal qualification, sitting two points behind Bath and five adrift of unbeaten Pool 5 leaders Toulon at the halfway stage.
“We dug deep and we will take five points, but we know we have to be better next week,” said Evans ahead of the return in Treviso on Saturday.
“It wasn’t our best performance, we have got a lot of work to do.”