Dragons number nine Evans will go head-to-head with Edinburgh’s Mike Blair at Rodney Parade, just three weeks after getting the better of Lions’ first-choice Mike Phillips.
Evans outplayed the Wales and Ospreys star in the impressive 28-20 Welsh derby win but expects another stern examination against Phillips’ understudy in South Africa.
Wayne Evans believes he is ready to deliver a knock-out blow to another British Lions scrum-half and fire Newport Gwent Dragons towards the Magners League play-offs today (Sun). Evans, 25, said: “Mike is one of the best in Britain.
“He went on the last Lions tour and he has found himself just behind Chris Cusiter at the moment but he probably wants to prove himself in every game until Scotland’s summer tour.
“It will be tough against him as he will want to get back to be No 1 for Scotland.”
Former Wales under-21 star Evans has produced a series of influential but understated displays with the Dragons this season to leave the Gwent region six points outside the top four.
That impressive form has led to calls for the 5ft 10ins half-back to be included in Wales coach Warren Gatland’s touring party to his native New Zealand this summer.
But rather than take the glory, the modest Evans has praised the work of the Dragons pack this season.
Evans said: “Our forwards have really fronted up and if Mike doesn’t get good ball off their forwards, he won’t be able to do too much.
“It’s really good to play against big names but you only have a slight battle with them
“You have two forward packs between you and if they get at the nine, it makes his job really difficult.”
Edinburgh have not beaten the Dragons in almost four years but boss Paul Turner is wary of the challenge the Scottish outfit will pose.
Turner said: “Edinburgh have made the jump in recent years to start challenging at the top of the table.
“They can play two types of games. They have the pack and setpiece to keep it tight and also got speed behind to play a flat-track game.
“The halfbacks are very consistent so you can understand why they have gone to places like the Blues and Scarlets and won easily.
“They have Test match players and go to places like Thomond Park and the RDS. We have to match that.”
