Evans was memorably the hero at the death when Cardiff beat Leinster at the Arms Park in 2022 and he also conquered the Galway wind for a success at Connacht in 2017.
The 29-year-old from Pontypridd now has a Test moment to add to his highlights reel.
“I’ve experienced it for my club, but it’s the first time that I have done it for my country,” said Evans.
“I was pretty relieved that it went over, but that’s why you put all those hours and hard work in.”
The replacement fly-half was only called onto the pitch in the 79th minute with Wales pinned in their own half and needing something special.
“The longer the time goes on the more you think that you might not get on, but you have to be ready to impact the game,” said Evans, who came on for Dan Edwards.
“I am just the guy that is fortunate to get that moment at the end, but I was more proud with how we worked our way up the field.
“We retained the ball and didn’t cough it up, which we probably did for large parts of the game to give Japan a leg up.”
A penalty just out of range meant that Evans kicked to the 22 and the pack almost ensured his right foot was not needed.
“The forwards were unbelievable with the maul and rolled us all the way – we were unlucky not to come away with the try.
“We did think about a quick tap, but then I took the decision out of the boys’ hands.”
Wales now prepare for New Zealand next Saturday, knowing that their performance level needs to go up dramatically.
“We’ll be tough on ourselves,” said Tandy. “There’s never a lack of effort whenever I’ve watched this group and you can build on that.
“Getting these tight wins is obviously pleasing, but we have to keep growing.”
