The 24-year-old outside half didn’t see any action as Wales won the 2021 Championship as he found himself kicking his heels behind Wayne Pivac’s first-choice pivot Dan Biggar and his understudy Callum Sheedy.
But Evans reckons his game has improved by a long spell of training with the Welsh side and is looking to guide the Blues to a third European final before the season ends.
“The Six Nations camp has been brilliant for the boys and for me too. I’ve learned a lot and my game has improved a fair bit just by me being there in that eight-week period,” said Evans.
“There are times when you get frustrated, especially when you’re not playing. Watching the team was quite frustrating, but I was able to work really closely with Neil Jenkins on my kicking game. I’ve really improved in that area and I need to keep on top of that. The game is constantly changing and any No 10 needs to keep moving with it.
“Dan and Callum have gone really well and it’s hard to change a winning side. We’ve all been pushing each other, but when my opportunity comes, I have to take it.
“That starts by driving the Cardiff team forward. It’s nice to be back at Cardiff and showing what I can do and what I’m capable of.”
Evans has picked up six Welsh caps to date and his talent with ball in hand is more than obvious. His challenge has been to improve his kicking and defensive game to get the chance to push himself into Pivac’s side.
Evans also has Gareth Anscombe and Rhys Patchell, who have both had lengthy injury struggles, as international rivals and will have Rhys Priestland to contend with at the Arms Park when he returns to Wales from Bath next season.
Having helped the Blues to win the Challenge Cup in 2018, Evans would love a repeat performance this season.
“We’re definitely looking to take momentum into the Challenge Cup. We’re going to keep building and relish the European competition,” said Evans.
“We’ve had a bit of success in the competition before and the boys will be very keen going into this weekend. I’ve seen a fair bit of London Irish in the Gallagher Premiership and they’re a very dangerous side.
“Paddy Jackson runs things pretty well for them and they’ve got some star names. We’re going to have to be on the money both with and without the ball. We’re going to build confidence from back-to-back wins and we’re going to go up there with all guns blazing.”
