Evans frustrated after tough loss

Max Evans was left to reflect on yet another try in a losing cause for Scotland after England’s Calcutta Cup victory at Twickenham today.

Evans scored a superb solo effort to give the visitors’ hope of staging a sensational late comeback as they battled to end their 28-year wait for a win in London.

But the 27-year-old’s inspirational effort was in vain as England held on to triumph 22-16, leaving their opponents once again staring at the prospect of an RBS 6 Nations wooden spoon.

Evans’ try was his third for his country, with his previous two also coming in defeats, against Wales in 2009 and 2010.

Describing today’s touchdown as an “opportunist” effort, he said: “It would have been nice for it to be the winning try.”

Evans thought his score – which cut the deficit to three points – was going to spark a revival, but it was not to be.

“There was definitely a feeling we could go on and win it,” said the wing, who had no doubt where Scotland lost today’s game.

“Our defence was just immense.

“But the frustration is that set piece.

“To lose it so easily and on numerous occasions is just hugely frustrating, especially from a backs point of view.”

Despite their deficiencies, Scotland were well in the game until John Barclay was sin-binned midway through the second half, with England scoring their try seconds before the flanker re-entered the fray.

Barclay was penalised for knocking the ball away as England attempted to recycle and Evans said: “From what I hear, the feeling is that it was slightly unjustified.

“I hear that John was clearly over the ball and competing for the ball.”

There was also a suspicion of a forward pass about England’s try but Evans was more keen to apportion blame to himself for allowing Tom Croft a clear run at the line.

“It was just an error on my part,” he said.

“I should’ve trusted my inside man.”

Evans was relieved team-mate Kelly Brown was not seriously hurt after being carried off on a stretcher following a heavy collision with Matt Banahan.

The scenes were reminiscent of those that saw Evans’ brother Thom almost lose his life in last season’s game against Wales, and which ultimately forced his retirement.

“The great thing is Kelly’s doing really well,” said Evans.

“He was sitting in the changing room, although he can’t really remember what happened.”

Today’s defeat means that, for the fifth year in a row, Scotland go into their final game of the championship with the spectre of the wooden spoon looming.

And they will play an Italy side at Murrayfield on Saturday who are revelling in yesterday’s sensational win over France.

“I was cheering them on watching them yesterday,” Evans surprisingly admitted.

“I’m also a fan of rugby as well and when a team deserves a win like Italy deserved that win, you cheer them on.

“When we come to the weekend, there’ll be no question that I’m out to win myself.”