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No regrets from Evans

Thursday 04th December 2008

Searching for the spotlight: Nick Evans

Former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans will continue his quest to shake off the tag of eternal understudy when he steps out for Harlequins in their Heineken Cup tie against Stade Fran�ais on Saturday.

The stature of All Blacks' pivot Dan Carter meant Evans had to get used to playing second fiddle, despite boasting an ability that many observers think would make him an experienced international in most other teams.

His unfulfilled international ambitions were one of the deciding factors behind his move to the Harlequins, where he is contracted until June 2011 - a few months before the start of the next World Cup in his homeland.

Despite the fact Evans is unlikely to feature at the tournament, he does not regret his move to England.

"I would have been a fool to turn it down", he says.

"I'm proud of what I've done with New Zealand. I would have liked more game time, but I did the best I could and I think I gave a good account of myself."

Nonetheless, he describes the choice to exile himself as "the most difficult decision of my life".

"I know I might never play for New Zealand again," said Evans.

The All Blacks only select players playing in their own national league, meaning Evans' sixteen-cap career looks to have ended with the painful quarter-final defeat to France in Cardiff at the 2007 World Cup.

But Harlequins offered him something which his national federation could not: a place in the spotlight, even if Quins haven't seen too much of their new star this season.

Evans picked up a knee injury in his first game against Saracens on September 6, shortly after sending over a drop-goal that sealed victory for his side.

He didn't return until November 16, when he collected a match-winning nineteen-point haul (one try, one conversion, four penalties) in a game against London Wasps, before featuring in the 21-14 victory over Bath on Sunday.

Stade Fran�ais, who lead Pool Four in the Heineken Cup on points difference, know that the return of Evans is not good news.

"He provides lots of options, lots of versatility and changes in pace," said the Parisians' backs coach, Christophe Dominici.

"He can kick long, short and along the ground, he passes well on both sides.

"He's an extremely quick number ten, and a quick number ten is someone you have to keep an eye on."