Richards hails impact of Evans

Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards hailed the impact Nick Evans has had on the club after the New Zealand fly-half landed a dramatic late drop-goal to seal a Heineken Cup double over Stade Francais.

The French giants had edged ahead with a drop-goal from Argentina full-back Juan Martin Hernandez with eight minutes remaining before Quins staged a brave and brilliant final rally of 29 phases. And Evans slotted the winning points to stun the French side.

"The decision-making not to take the kick and hold onto possession were critical. That decision-making was something we have been lacking in recent years," said Richards.

"The other players will learn from that. Two or three years ago we would never have won it. I think the side is maturing greatly and we are starting to get the results we want."

Stade had taken a narrow 14-13 half-time lead after a try and three penalties from scrum-half Noel Oelschig.

Quins crossed through powerful centre Jordan Turner-Hall and Evans kicked the rest of the points, including the late drop-goal.

"We kept plugging away to get ourselves into a better position and even when it was 25 out it wasn't the best field conditions but I knew I would have to have a crack because I wouldn't get it any closer," said Evans.

"It was probably the ugliest drop kick I have ever had in my life but it doesn't matter if it goes over. To nail that opportunity is very pleasing and it is a good step forward for the team as a whole.

"We knew last week meant nothing if we didn't win today."