Super Rugby: Gareth Evans relishes Hurricanes' McLean Park clash

Gareth Evans enjoyed the Hurricanes' training run at his Havelock North club's home ground yesterday. Photo / Paul Taylor

Being the youngest of three brothers Hawke's Bay's Hurricanes rugby team No 8 Gareth Evans was always going to turn out the toughest.

The poundings he took from the older two, a then future All Black lock Bryn and future Hawke's Bay B lock Rhys, in amongst the trees on the family's Havelock North orchard had a purpose even if he didn't know it at the time. Evans, 26, is in his fifth season of Super Rugby, his first with the Canes after four with the Highlanders, one more than Bryn (one with the Blues and three with the Canes) had before heading to the northern hemisphere and this is further proof of the younger Evans' superior strength and endurance.

Although he refuses to rub it in to his older brothers.

"You know how much time I've had out of Mitre 10 Cup play ... I think that's more the key," Evans said on the eve of the Hurricanes week 8 clash against the Sharks at Napier's McLean Park tonight.

He was referring to his 10 first class appearances for the Magpies since joining the team in 2014. He made seven in 2014 before his season ended when Wellington lock Vaea Fifita took him out with a brutal shoulder charge, one in 2015, none in 2016 and two last year.

"Those spells have kept me fresh and I'm pretty happy with how I'm playing this season," Evans said.

The fact he is starting for the best New Zealand franchise in the competition is an indication of how well he's playing. Of the three 2017 Magpies in tonight's team Evans is the only one starting. However, he said this did not provide any extra pressure for him to produce another blockbuster.

"It's going to be awesome to be playing for the Canes on McLean Park. Hopefully the crowd turns out to support us."

Evans pointed out he was equally delighted the Canes had their Captain's Run at his Havelock North club's home ground, Anderson Park, yesterday.

"It's a pretty special feeling because I never thought that would happen. Our family has a strong involvement with the club and three of us Canes [Ihaia West and Ricky Riccitelli are the others] have played for Havelock."

Evans was adamant his decision to leave the Highlanders was the right one.

"It's good to be closer to home. A three-and-a-half hour drive is better than half-a-day flying."

He was looking forward to staying with his parents, Dai and Jenny, last night. The fact he was allowed to do that reflects the positive culture within the Canes environment.

When quizzed on what he believed was the key to a Canes victory tonight Evans replied:
"We've placed a big emphasis on defending the Sharks' rolling maul."

And the biggest work-on for the hosts who are chasing a fourth consecutive win in Napier?

"We need to be more clinical, particularly with our discipline. We gave away too many soft penalties against the Rebels last week which kept them in the game."

Expect Evans to have another cracker. He was nominated by his teammates to assist the flight stewards with the safety demonstration during the Canes flight from Wellington to Napier yesterday and this should prove to be a lucky omen for a bloke who is flying well with an in-form team.

We couldn't leave Evans without asking him how he is getting on with Fifita.

"We had a laugh about it. We're good teammates now," he replied.

The Sharks have predictably stuck with the same team which beat the Blues 63-40 last weekend. It's no surprise Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made defence and discipline the main focus points for his troops.

Against the Blues the Sharks leaked too many tries, three when they had a player in the sinbin.