Nick Evans shows his class as All Blacks hit town

Nick Evans gave the All Blacks selectors another reminder of his class with a standout performance in the English premiership.

With the All Blacks heading to London to wrap up their year with a clash against the British Barbarians at Twickenham this weekend, Evans showed he's king of the capital on the club scene with a commanding performance for Harlequins in their crucial 35-29 win over Gloucester.

Evans scored 20 points including a stunning solo try as the 'Quins continued their revival.

The win lifted Harlequins to seventh on the points table after the shocking start to their season in the wake of the bloodgate scandal.

As the All Blacks continue to search for their backup to Dan Carter, Evans continues to prove he's the man they let escape.

The All Blacks will look to field Carter's backups, Stephen Donald and Mike Delany, in the match against the Barbarians but it's questionable whether either is in the class of Evans.

In other ninth round English Premiership matches former All Blacks Aaron Mauger and Scott Hamilton  helped Leicester to a 39-6 win over bottom placed Leeds.

Former North Harbour utility Willie Walker kicked four penalties as Worcester put the breaks on Saracens's charge at the top with a 12-all draw.

London Irish got a clinical 16-nil win over struggling Bath while Jimmy Gopperth's early penalty for Newcastle was the only time their were in front of a rampant Northampton who won 28-8 with former Wigan league wing Chris Ashton getting a hat-trick of tries.

There was a controversial start to the weekend when Wasps refused to take the field against Sale. Wasps New Zealand coach Tony Hanks, formerly in charge of Waikato, felt the water-logged surface was too dangerous, particularly for scrimmaging.

The championship's governing body has launched an investigation. This is the third season in a row where Wasps have been involved in incidents of this nature.

English Premiership table: Saracens 34, London Irish 30, Northampton 27, Leicester 26, Wasps 22, Newcastle 20, Harlequins 18, Sale 17, Gloucester 15, Worcester 15, Bath 11, Leeds 8.

- © Fairfax NZ News