"It's good to see other people seeing what the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Magpies have seen in Gareth for the last couple of seasons," he said.
Evans' All Blacks debut was the climax to a memorable week which also saw the 27-year-old Napier Boys' High School old boy extend his Hurricanes contract until the end of the 2020 season and score a two-month contract with Japanese club NTT Docomo. One of the standouts during the Canes 2018 Super season, Evans, assembled with NTT Docomo yesterday and will rejoin the Hurricanes in January.
Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle was delighted to have Evans commit to the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
"We saw just how good Gareth was throughout last season and he certainly made his presence felt. It was good reward for all his hard work to see him playing for the All Blacks," Castle said.
"He is a player who will offer our club a lot over the next two seasons on and off the field."
NTT Docomo, known as the Red Hurricanes in Japan, is coached by former All Blacks loosie Mike Brewer.
Evans All Black debut was the highlight of huge involvement in international play from Hawke's Bay players at the weekend. Magpies captain and hooker Ash Dixon, prop Ben May and winger Jonah Lowe all scored tries for the Maori All Blacks in their 59-22 win against the United States in Chicago.
Magpies halfback Brad Weber also started for the Maori team.
"Ben captained the Maori team when Ash was off the field. To see three of our leaders [Ash, Ben and Brad] providing leadership value as well as their rugby skills to one of the country's premier teams is pleasing," Syms said.
"To have guys with that much mana at the forefront of our team makes our jobs as coaches that much easier," Syms explained.
"As for Jonah I think 2019 will be his year. He is just as the wingers ahead of him at the Hurricanes including Nehe Milner Skudder. He just needs to be given a few more opportunities to prove it."
Former Magpies halfback Jonathan Ruru replaced Weber in the 64th minute. The United States side was captained by former Magpies loosie Tony Lamborn, a clubmate of Evans.
Hawke's Bay's sole Black Fern, first five-eighth Krysten Cottrell, had 20 minutes off the subs bench during the world champions' 67-6 win against the United States in Chicago.
Her Hawke's Bay Tui team's assistant coach and former Magpies pivot Shaun Bell was impressed with Cottrell's contribution.
"Duffy [Cottrell's nickname] played well. She continued the hot form she displayed for us this season. She was pretty sharp ... her options were good and she set up one of their numerous tries. There was no sign of the knee injury which forced her out of our last two games and she is looking good for their games in France."
Other Bay players on international duty are Magpies fullback JJ Taulagi and utility back with Samoa and lock Sam Ulufonua with Tonga.
"Come February or March I'm picking we will have three or four players in the New Zealand under-20 team as well. But to have one All Black, one Black Fern, four Maori All Blacks as well as three players away with Tonga and Samoa is pretty good for Hawke's Bay rugby," Syms added.
