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Evans looks ahead to All Blacks battle

Evans looks ahead to All Blacks battle

Rob Evans will start for Wales at loosehead prop against New Zealand on Saturday.

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The game at Principality Stadium will see Warren Gatland’s side take on the world’s best team in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Here, Scarlets forward Evans looks ahead to the big game…

Are you excited about the match?

“I’m just pretty relaxed, really.

“We had a good session on Thursday morning and then it’s on to a big performance on Saturday.”

How are you enjoying being in this Wales team?

“I enjoy it massively.

“It’s something we’ve been working on in training and it’s good to get your hands on the ball at any time. It was good for me do that against Australia.

“It’s enjoyable the way we’re playing. It takes time, but we’re going in the right direction.

“At the Scarlets we’ve focused on being comfortable on the ball as a front five and you need to link the forwards with the backs with the style of play we’re looking to do.”

What are your thoughts on New Zealand?

“The New Zealand forwards are pretty good with ball in hand. I don’t try to emulate myself on anyone really, I just try to be myself.

“The All Blacks are very physical as well. Sometimes people don’t realise how physical they are.”

How did you feel in the game against Australia?

“It was a frustrating time for me being injured, but it was just great to be back on the park. It was great to be back training and into the routine.

“It’s always great to pull the Welsh jersey on, but it was disappointing to lose the game because we felt we could have got more out of it.

“That’s the beauty of rugby, you can put it right the next week or the one after.”

What are your memories of playing New Zealand?

“I was lucky enough to tour in the summer of 2016.

“I came off the bench in the first two Tests and was lucky enough to start the third in Dunedin.”

What’s it like to play the All Blacks?

“I just try to focus on the job in hand and have the same routine.

“They’re very physical, one of the most physical teams in world rugby. That’s something we’ve talked about and it’s an area where we want to match them.

“We’re aware of what’s needed and there’s enough experience in terms of playing against them with either the Lions or Wales for us to deal with those threats.

“It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”

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