But he wants to be a master of one — a loose forward who gets regular game time at Super rugby level every week.Evans (25) was forced to play in the backs for a period in last week’s match against the Blues as injury and a lack of back reserves on the bench put the side in a tough position.
"We took a 6-2 split into the game and the early injury to Waisake [Naholo] left us a bit hamstrung. I knew I was going to be covering somewhere in the backline. But I didn’t know I had to go back on for a concussion test," Evans said.
"It was something a little bit different. I haven’t played at that level out on the wing, so I just had to do the best out of a bad situation."
Evans, who missed much of last season after tearing the meniscus in his knee, did well out on the wing and has sufficient speed for a loose forward so running around out on the flanks was not completely in foreign territory.He picked up a yellow card in the dying minutes of the game but the side managed to hang on to record its first win.
The team goes into battle once again tonight, when it faces the defending champion Hurricanes in Wellington, with Evans starting on the bench.
Injuries have again gone against the Highlanders and a whole team of players are on the sick list.Evans admits the loss of players is an examination of the whole side.
"It tests out one to 39 and is testing our depth. Some young people are going to have to come up and step up to the plate. Hopefully, they will deliver in Wellington.
"They have been, for the whole duration of pre-season right back in November, so nothing is new for them. They have played in pre-season games against the Crusaders and the Waratahs in Sydney. They are prepared and just need an opportunity."
Evans, who is on a one-year deal with the southern franchise, has links to the Hurricanes. Brought up in Hawke’s Bay before heading to the University of Otago, his older brother Bryn played 25 games for the Hurricanes before heading overseas.
But that will mean little come tonight in what is expected to be a fierce battle.
The Hurricanes are a dangerous attacking side. They have aces all over the paddock but most of the danger comes from TJ Perenara and the man outside him, Beauden Barrett.
The Highlanders have strangled the Hurricanes in previous matches in Wellington with suffocating defence and winning the territory battle.
But that requires a complete team performance and that may be difficult with key players out of the line-up and still relatively early in the season.
Ben Smith’s return is an undoubted bonus and it is a big game for both first five-eighth Fletcher Smith and openside flanker Dillon Hunt.
Both teams have plenty of incentive to get back on a winning track.
The Highlanders were delayed by fog at Dunedin yesterday and left early in the afternoon, three hours later than intended.
Showers are forecast for tonight in Wellington.
Super Rugby
Wellington, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Ben Smith (captain), Richard Buckman, Malakai Fekitoa, Rob Thompson, Tevita Li, Fletcher Smith, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Dillon Hunt, Elliot Dixon, Joe Wheeler, Tom Franklin, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Sekonaia Pole, Aki Seiuli, Guy Millar, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Marty Banks, Matt Faddes
Hurricanes: Jordie Barrett, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Ngani Laumape, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Ardie Savea, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, Michael Fatialofa, Mark Abbott, Jeffery To’omaga-Allen, Dane Coles (captain), Chris Eves. Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli, Ben May, Mike Kainga, Sam Lousi, Reed Prinsep, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Otere Black, Wes Goosen
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Highlanders key man
Ben Smith: the leader of the side returns after a spell away and it will give his team mates plenty of confidence. Smith has only managed 28 minutes of serious rugby so far this year so will have some rust but his class should come through quickly. Needs to get involved in the game and help out new boy Fletcher Smith.
Hurricanes key man
Beauden Barrett: the world rugby player of the year is the man who calls the shots for the home side. A gifted attacker with speed to burn, which hugely helps those outside him. Would appreciate a dry track after the rain in Hamilton last week.