Wales lock Ian Evans expecting mind games from Scott Johnson
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Wales lock Ian Evans believes his former Ospreys boss Scott Johnson will play mind games ahead the Six Nations clash against Scotland on 9 March.
Johnson was Ospreys director of rugby before taking over from Andy Robinson as Scotland head coach.
The Australian has guided Scotland to two straight wins, against Italy and Ireland.
"He likes to put himself out in the press, trying to ramble some jargon and trying to play mind-games," said Evans.
"His worst fear is probably that he's coached most of the boys within our squad, so we will more or less know how his mind-set is.
"So he can ramble as much as he wants, it just becomes pretty boring in the end.
"Rugby is a pretty basic game, isn't it? I don't think you need to add fuel to the fire.
"There is no doubt that there will be [mind games next week]. But, like I said, it's boring, for me anyway.
"He [Johnson] is quite a character, really," Evans added.
Like Scotland, Wales have won their last two matches - against Italy (26-9) and France (16-6).
It means the Celtic rivals remain in contention to challenge Six Nations leaders England for the title.
And Evans is not surprised at Johnson being the first Scotland coach to guide the country to back-to-back Six Nations wins in the same season.
"He [Johnson] has been around international rugby with Wales and Australia, and he's obviously with Scotland now," said the second row.
"So he is a very experienced coach, to be fair to him. He knows what he's doing and you've got to respect that."
Evans has never previously played for Wales at Murrayfield and he expects a fearsome battle, especially opposite in-form Scotland locks Jim Hamilton and Richie Gray.
"They are quality players. They play in the Aviva Premiership, where set-piece is a main part of the game," he added.
"Hamilton is massively underrated. He is a great player.
"But I have got confidence in my ability, and when you play international rugby you want to play against the very best players.
"It's going to be an interesting day at the office.
"You saw them against Ireland with their line-out defence.
"They caused them [Ireland] a lot of worry and didn't give them much clean ball, so they pose a big threat, but it's up to us to counteract that."
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The first rule of Scott Johnson Club is you do not talk about Scott Johnson club.
The second rule of Scott Johnson Club is you DO NOT TALK ABOUT SCOTT JOHNSON CLUB.
The third rule of Scott Johnson Club is - if you talk about Scott Johnson club - you've already lost and he's got your brain in a jar.
Scott Johnson 1 - Wales (Ian Evans) 0.
Come on Scotland!
Even better than Jose Mourinho!
I think Evan's worst fear is knowing that SJ knows the mind set (and abilities) of the Osprey's lads.
Finally,
Mind games.
We got the most dangerus pack in the world... by who's assessment is this?
Think Evans would have been better served by keeping his opinion on Johnson to himself... his comments have come across that he - Johnson - is already in his mind, which could be a benefit to Scotland.
England were in control that's for sure and their best performance this season. Scotland's line speed was off which gave England room to work, but Scotland with ball in hand were actually better than reported.
You can look at your side and this Scottish team with Leektinted specs on if you want, but Scotland will not be a cakewalk.
You cling to your idea mate the record stays the same.
My opinion is that the only game you perhaps should have won was when you did not shut out Shane Willliams.
I think its going to be 6 my friend. If you play like you did against Ireland we will not be so forgiving!!
Scotland are more disciplined, have better decision makers and are more confident. This will be a cracker and home advantage may be key
Believe we, the Scots, have the most underrated 8 in the championship. England at Twick was the first game under new management. The pack is huge, all the boys can play and the bench is stronger. The latter being one of Robo's primary shortfalls, consistently.
N.B, Kelly Brown for Lions Capt.
Have to agree with you there. I've not seen Wales do anything but kick long four quite some time. Remember that is how they lost the test series in Australia. They also lost to New Zealand and Samoa where the game plan was to kick deep.
Just as Scotland have to sort out their first up defence... Wales need to find a game plan that does not consist of kicking long all the time.
The jury is still out on this current Scotland team, but they were not that fart off of England. Italy they snuffed out impressively IMO and the same with Ireland, but not as impressive with ball in hand.
Wales IMO have improved since the Irish match, but by how much time will tell.
Think you might find that your chain has been yanked about Evans.
Both sides will be buoyed by their recent victories that's for sure. Wales probably slight favourites given the past few seasons, but I would not be over confident. Ireland did have the stats on their side, but on the one that counted.
Scotland actually playing better than than their given credit for recently.
Ireland rarely kicked against the Scots back three if at all. Wales will have to do something similar and go through the phases... can they do that effectively? Not sure if they can.