Jarrod Evans insists his ambitions for further international honours start with his form in club colours, as he looks ahead to Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup derby against Scarlets.
The six-times capped outside half came off the bench in last week’s late win over Dragons Rugby, slotting the match-winning conversion following Teddy Williams’ try.
Evans’, who was an unused squad member during Wales’ recent Guinness Six Nations triumph, believes the Rainbow Cup campaign gives him an opportunity to make his mark on international selectors but is fully focused on his side’s team effort.
“Every time you take to the field, you’re going to get judged. Those international coaches, whether they’re at the stadium or not, will be constantly looking back at footage of what you’re doing,” explained the academy graduate.
“So when you take to that field, it’s important that you perform.
“The Rainbow Cup is an opportunity to try different combinations and try things you might not usually try in your big European and PRO14 games.
“Nonetheless, you’re still going to get judged and we’re all pretty aware of that.
“Like I’ve always said, my club form always comes first, and anything that follows that is always a bonus.
“I want to keep playing well for Cardiff Blues, and whatever happens after that happens. As long as your club form takes you forward, that’s where the priority will lie.”
Evans enjoyed two eye-catching performances against Scarlets earlier this season, as he steered his side to back-to-back wins over the west Wales outfit.
However, the outside half recognises the importance of a collective effort if they are to secure another victory and expects a backlash from the hosts on Saturday.
Evans added: “It’s a strange one with the Scarlets because it’s felt like we’ve played them all season. This will literally be the fourth time in less than a year.
“They will feel that they have a point to prove because we played them back-to-back over Christmas and won both games.
“We all know the x factor and talent they have down there and at the end of the day it’s another derby so both teams will be gunning for each other.
“They’ll be pretty disappointed with the performances they put in against us in those back-to-back fixtures. They will have a point to prove, especially with the way the Dragons game panned out against them a couple of weeks ago.
“They ground out a good win against Ospreys in tough conditions last weekend, and the quality they’ve got means they’ll always be a threat to you.
“We need to be on our game as a squad. We’ve trained really well this week and we’re becoming more cohesive and getting our combinations going.
“We’re pleased with where we are but we’re also wary of what they can do as well.
“Personally I felt like I played well against them earlier in the season, but ultimately it’s a team game. In order for a number 10 to play well, the forwards have to put you on the front foot.
“If they’re not doing their job, no 10 will look pretty behind. So I give a lot of credit to the squad and the boys who are organising around me. It’s a squad effort which gives the nine and 10 the armchair they need.
“Last week against Dragons, we were dominant and were playing well throughout the first half, but didn’t put enough points on them.
“But when the red card happened it was backs against the wall for us. The character shown by the boys was outstanding, and our pack really stepped up defensively and in the mauls, which you need to turn to when you’re down to 13 or 14 men.
“The character was pleasing but hopefully we will address the discipline issues heading into the Scarlets game.”