Evans stars as Quins set up potential semi-final against Munster

Nick Evans was hailed as “a genuine world class player” after his 22-point haul guided Harlequins to victory over Wasps and into the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The New Zealand fly-half landed five penalties, two conversions and a sweet drop-goal as Harlequins held a spirited Wasps side at arms length to win 32-22.

Evans’ imperious performance added further weight to the argument that New Zealand need him as back-up to Dan Carter at the Rugby World Cup later this year.

Harlequins boss Conor O’Shea would be surprised if the All Blacks broke their own policy of not selecting overseas-based players – but he believes Evans is good enough.

“I would pay to watch Nick Evans train,” O’Shea said.

“Nick Evans is genuinely a world class player. We are very fortunate to have him here.

“If you make an exception to the policy of not picking overseas players then the great players will think they can go.

“If Nick is called up, we are happy to have Rory Clegg. As of now I don’t think he’ll be going but it is up to (All Blacks coach) Graham Henry.”

Quins will play either Munster or Brive, who meet this afternoon, in the semi-finals of competition they won in 2001 and 2004.

“We are very happy to be in the semi-final of a tough competition,” O’Shea added.

“You want to play at Thomand Park or in the south of France in the semi-finals of a massive competition. It is the place you want to be.

“We are glad to be the representatives from England in the semi-finals of this competition.”

Harlequins roared into a 14-0 lead with converted tries from Danny Care and Maurie Fa’asavalu inside the opening six minutes.

Wasps responded well with tries from Seb Jewell, Tom Lindsay and Richard Haughton but Evans’ golden boot guided Harlequins to victory.

Wasps’ only route into next season’s Heineken Cup is through the league – but they need maximum points from their last three fixtures to even stand a chance.

“We need 15 points from our last three games,” said caretaker boss Leon Holden.

“Simon Shaw just spoke very well in the changing room about that. He also complemented the team on their performance tonight. He said it was the best performance of the season.”