Harlequins Hero

As Harlequins fly-half, Nick Evans “produced the greatest four minutes of controlled rugby I have been privileged to see against Stade Français” according to Times sports columnist Stuart Barnes. Evans next plays on Sunday in the Heineken Cup semi-finals against Leinster. Had he been the All Blacks’ regular fly-half there would be no Harlequins versus Leinster. Ironically, had the North Shore-raised former All Black stayed in New Zealand he would have had a clear run at the No 10 shirt for the rest of this calendar year with Carter injured. “Yes, Murphy’s Law, isn’t it? But the first thing I will say is I have no regrets at all. I did not make the decision lightly and knew it would pretty much end my involvement with the All Blacks for a while, which was tough, very tough.” Some say practice makes perfect, but a lot of inspiration and sheer nerve were also required to steer the Londoners to that epic late win against Stade Français. Evans was the calmest man in the ground, tucked within the eye of the storm. The great moment of his Harlequins career to date was that drop goal, the kick that is a neat summation of how Evans the fly-half has matured and balanced his game. And there is probably nobody Harlequins would rather have with them. Not even Dan Carter.