Blues linked with Evans as Carter hope fades

Apr 24 2008 by Blair Wood, South Wales Echo

DIFFERENT week, different All Blacks fly half; Cardiff Blues are now being linked to Dan Carter’s understudy, Nick Evans.

The merry-go-round of fly-halves has already started and Carter is undoubtedly top of the pile.

But, as has been the case with his career to date, Evans is once again next in the queue.

And now, if the Blues pull out of any race for the increasingly expensive Carter, David Young’s attention could turn to the former Dragons target Evans. At least that’s what the papers down under are mooting.

Signing Carter is starting to look like mission impossible. Free-spending Saracens are the latest club to join a host of French sides in what looks to be one of the biggest bidding wars European rugby has ever seen.

But, while the All Blacks’ first choice Number 10 regularly steals the headlines, Evans is a star player in his own right. And, whether it has been through impressive performances at international or Super 14 level, he has his admirers.

The 27-year-old’s arrival could depend on what Carter decides to do. If the All Blacks’ top dog stays, Evans’ chances at international level will remain limited.

Should he leave, Evans has a far greater chance of making the 10 jersey his own.

But the lure of Europe’s big money could be too much of a pull.

Either way, the Auckland-based Blues man has already been linked to several clubs in recent weeks. They include Leicester, Harlequins, Ulster and, moving closer to home, the Dragons.

As of yet, nothing has been agreed. And, as the Dragons found out, Evans won’t come cheap.

The 16-cap All Black is thought to be asking for around £300,000 a season. That was simply too much for the Gwent region.

With the UK or Ireland likely destinations, a deal with Leicester was thought to be close. But, when the Tigers broke off negotiations and opted for Argentine master Juan Martin Hernandez instead, Evans’ management had to look elsewhere.

Harlequins, whose outside-half Adrian Jarvis will depart for Bristol this summer, then became the front-runners. But the Londoners are refusing to make any comment about the speculation linking them to Evans.

So, with their admiration for Carter and a desire to bring in world class players already stated, it’s hardly a surprise the Blues have been thrown into the frame.

Signing a player like Evans would certainly be a big step in their bid to rejoin rugby’s European elite.

Two key facts stand in the way. Firstly, the Blues have already recruited a fly-half in the shape of Ceri Sweeney. Secondly, they already have their full quota of non-Welsh players.

But Sweeney can and has played in the centres so that objection is a non-starter. If Evans can be lured, the Blues will undoubtedly make room for him.

The issue of non-Welsh players is more difficult to dismiss. Someone will have to go before another Kiwi can arrive.

But, with Australian Marc Stcherbina a potential target for the Dragons, a space could become available. His departure would also create a gap in the centres for Sweeney to fill.

If they could pull off a move for Evans, his arrival could have a similar impact as Jonah Lomu’s did in 2005. The prolific winger guaranteed sell-out crowds at the Arms Park.

Signing Carter would have the same, if not a greater, impact. But translating their interest into a deal will be a big ask for Young and the board.

Realistically, France seems to be his likely destination, with both Toulouse and Toulon weighing in with enormous bids.

While the former have offered Carter £750,000-a-season, the latter are willing to offer him the same amount for just six months’ work.

But if Carter is too expensive, as far as back-ups go, Evans is second to none.

blair.wood@mediawales.co.uk