6 Nations: Max Evans pleased to be back in the comfort zone
His French adventure is still a work in progress, but Max Evans has found comfort in his return to the Scotland squad this week.
- By Steve Scott, rugby correspondent
- Published in the Courier : 03.02.12
- Published online : 03.02.12 @ 11.07am
Growing up all over Europe as the son of a golf professional, Evans wasn't going to get a culture shock on moving to Castres but on-field has been far trickier than he expected, making his return to familiar voices and structures in the Scotland camp something of a refreshing experience.
Evans said: ''Castres is a great lifestyle, I've no complaints, there's just that comfortability factor on the field. It's easy to come back and get in the mix with the guys in the Scotland team because of how comfortable I am with the guys.''
He added: ''That's something I just need to get to out in France but it's just not there yet — just knowing the little French chat which I haven't quite got down yet. I thought rugby's rugby and the way in which we play isn't too dissimilar, but it's been a bit more difficult than I expected.
''That doesn't mean I'm not enjoying myself — I've no regrets about being there — but I just want to get the same comfortability that I've got within the Scotland set-up and like I had at Glasgow, and that's not going to happen straight away.''
Back with his international mates, the feeling is almost one of relief.
Evans said: ''I'm so excited about this weekend because I really feel like I'm back where I'm 100% comfortable and I can be back at my best where I'm able to create things, to link up with guys and able to get the result we really want and deserve.''
It has helped that communication with coaches Andy Robinson and Gregor Townsend has been regular and supportive.
He said: ''I had been concerned with not getting a lot of ball in attack but that's something I've been in touch with Andy and Gregor about by email, they're so good at every fortnight or so giving you a call — especially Gregor who has a bit of a mentor role with me.
''Andy and Gregor just want me to pop up anywhere and get my hands on the ball and really have a crack and that's where they see me posing a threat.''
Evans feels an affinity with Dan Parks and believes he can help the fly-half be more attacking.
Max said: ''Dan's had his share of criticism for the way he plays in the past, but that's where he's looked at his game and how he can improve.
''We all know how great a kicker he is, especially out of hand, but the other thing is that guys like myself and Lee Jones, Nick de Luca and Sean Lamont have free rein to step up at first receiver, tell Dan to move aside and let us pose a different threat in that area.
''Dan is constantly saying in training how much he wants communication and it's for guys like us to call when we want to get the ball. All he wants is to put guys in space so that's for myself, Lee and Nick to apply creativity.''
Photo by Lynne Cameron/PA Wire
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