The Max Evans Column

In the first instalment of a new weekly feature, Scotland wing Max Evans gives us his thoughts on this weekend's Six Nations games.

In the first instalment of a new weekly feature, Scotland wing Max Evans gives Planet Rugby his thoughts on this weekend's Six Nations games, opposition fly-halves and his move to France.

Scotland v Ireland

We've had an eventful week in the Scotland camp where the guys are very frustrated after our performance against Wales. Going into the Six Nations there was a mood of confidence. There was a genuine belief that we could have a really good championship and that we could go to France and cause an upset. While we didn't get the result, our performance in Paris wasn't bad.

Wales however were there for the taking so we were hugely disappointed by our display. The team got together at the beginning of the week and had a heart-to-heart. A lot of things were said – that needed to be said – in a very honest discussion.

The coaches were also able to get a few things off their chest so it was very productive. We just can't expect to win any game of rugby if we make as many individual errors as we did against Wales.

It's hard to pinpoint where things have gone wrong because we're pretty much the same team that was winning in Argentina. We've developed good confidence and we've had good training sessions. I can only put it down to individual self-belief.

Dan Parks is on the bench for Sunday but he can take heart from the way Ireland have used Ronan O'Gara effectively as a replacement. Dan will take it as a positive if he can play a similar role for Scotland.

Speaking of ROG, his return to the Irish starting line-up certainly gives us food for thought. Most teams look to attack in the ten channel and with Sean Lamont at twelve for us, it's no secret that we'll be going for it early on. That said O'Gara can run the show if you give him a tiny bit of space and time. He's very creative with his kicks and a great reader of the game, especially at crucial times, so we need to shut down any options he has.

The key for any team, as we've seen in Super 15 and the southern hemisphere, is to get go-forward ball and that comes from the contact area. So that's been a key focus for us this week – to really blast the contact area. We threatened France and Wales when we were going forward, so if we can cut out those errors we can be dangerous, the way we were in Argentina.

England v France

I think it's a bit premature for the press to be saying that the Six Nations will be decided at Twickenham. Our win in Ireland last year shows that anything can happen on any given weekend and the championship is far from over.

England are looking great. They have scored a lot of tries and France will certainly look at Chris Ashton as a threat.

France, from an attacking point of view, have a very strong pack which can set up their dangerous back-line. They'll look to dominate up front and hit off nine, then the backs can do their thing off the go-forward ball.

France took their chances very well against us and England need to realise that if they turn ball over, France are capable of scoring from anywhere.

In term of their changes, there's very little to choose between Dimitri Yachvili and Morgan Parra, who are both great players, although different. Yachvili is a wizard – he can create all sorts of stuff with his little kicks and how he sees the game.

Putting Sebastien Chabal at eight is an interesting one. He can be an erratic player. He gave away a try against us by not being switched on. Imanol Harinordoquy is one of the best number eights in the world so it'll be interesting to see him on the flank. I think Chabal's inclusion could weaken their back-row.

Italy v Wales

Italy can definitely beat Wales. The Azzurri are a different animal at home. I had my first experience in Rome last year and their crowd is incredible. The Welsh win against us had a lot to do with our mistakes. They never really created anything themselves. If the weather in Rome is good again, it could be an exciting game.

The return of Stephen Jones could make it difficult for the Italians to analyse Wales' game against us because James Hook is a very different kind of fly-half.

Cipriani in Super Rugby

On the topic of fly-halves, I was interested to see how Danny Cipriani fared for the Rebels in the opening weekend of Super Rugby. It's a tough ask for that team, and it'll obviously take a while for them to gel. Knowing Danny personally I think he'd like to have done better. But he hasn't had a proper game for a long time after his injury and the move to Melbourne so I think he did well, all things considered.

Parlez vous Français?

Of course, I'm off to a new team at the end of the season too and I'm hugely excited about my move to France. I'll be sad to leave Glasgow and I owe Sean Lineen a huge debt for giving me the stepping stones to get to where I am.

I'll have to work on my spattering of French but at this point in my career it's a great opportunity to challenge my skills in a different atmosphere. My girlfriend (she's American) is also really eager to learn the language so it'll be exciting for both of us. It'll be great to experience a new culture and get to know the players there.

Until next week, cheers!

Max