Evans stays in Japan after classy ABs debut
Bay players feature for their country on international duty
Hawke’s Bay Magpies rugby team’s assistant coach Josh Syms labelled it a typical Gareth Evans display and he was bang on. “It was great to see Gareth looking in the right places,” Magpies forwards mentor Syms said as he reflected on Evans’ 17 minutes off the pine at No 8 during his All Blacks debut, Saturday night’s 69-31 win against Japan in Tokyo.
During his second carry, Evans, a younger brother of 2009 All Black lock Bryn Evans, beat two defenders on his way to setting up a try for winger Waisake Naholo. In the 62nd minute Havelock North’s Evans put second five-eighth Ngani Laumape away for his hat-trick from a quick tap.
Evans defended well and his kickoff receptions and lineout plays were accurate.
“Basically Gareth did what he does for us. He created momentum and he used his skills to help everyone outside him,” Syms said.
“It’s good to see other people seeing what the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Magpies have seen in Gareth for the last couple of seasons,” he said.
Evans’ All Blacks debut was the climax to a memorable week which also saw the 27-year-old Napier Boys’ High School old boy extend his Hurricanes contract until the end of the 2020 season and score a twomonth contract with Japanese club NTT Docomo. One of the standouts during the Canes 2018 Super season, Evans, joined NTT Docomo yesterday and will return to the Hurricanes in January.
Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle was delighted to have Evans commit to the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
“We saw just how good Gareth was throughout last season and he certainly made his presence felt. It was good reward for all his hard work to see him playing for the All Blacks,” Castle said.
“He is a player who will offer our club a lot over the next two seasons on and off the field.”
NTT Docomo, known as the Red Hurricanes in Japan, are coached by former All Blacks loosie Mike Brewer.
Evans’ All Black debut was the highlight of huge involvement in international play from Hawke’s Bay players at the weekend.
Magpies captain and hooker Ash Dixon, prop Ben May and winger Jonah Lowe all scored tries for the Maori All Blacks in their 59-22 win against the United States in Chicago.
Magpies halfback Brad Weber also started for the Maori team.
“Ben captained the Maori team when Ash was off the field.
“To see three of our leaders [Ash, Ben and Brad] providing leadership value as well as their rugby skills to one of the country’s premier teams is pleasing,” Syms said.
“To have guys with that much mana at the forefront of our team makes our jobs as coaches that much easier,” Syms explained.
“As for Jonah I think 2019 will be his year. He is just as the wingers ahead of him at the Hurricanes including Nehe Milner Skudder. He just needs to be given a few more opportunities to prove it.”
Former Magpies halfback Jonathan Ruru replaced Weber in the 64th minute.
The United States side were captained by former Magpies loosie Tony Lamborn, a clubmate of Evans.
Hawke’s Bay’s sole Black Fern, first five-eighth Krysten Cottrell, had 20 minutes off the subs bench during the world champions’ 67-6 win against the United States in Chicago.
Her Hawke’s Bay Tui team’s assistant coach and former Magpies pivot Shaun Bell was impressed with Cottrell’s contribution.
“Duffy [Cottrell’s nickname] played well.
“She continued the hot form she displayed for us this season. She was pretty sharp . . . her options were good and she set up one of their numerous tries. There was no sign of the knee injury which forced her out of our last two games and she is looking good for their games in France.”
Other Bay players on international duty are Magpies fullback JJ Taulagi and utility back with Samoa and lock Sam Ulufonua with Tonga.
“Come February or March I’m picking we will have three or four players in the New Zealand under-20 team as well.
“But to have one All Black, one Black Fern, four Maori All Blacks as well as three players away with Tonga and Samoa is pretty good for Hawke’s Bay rugby,” Syms added.