But his performance in touching the wall first in Monte Carlo on Sunday will give both himself and his coaching staff plenty of confidence.

Magnussen powered home in the second half of the race to chase down Russian Nikita Lobintsev and McEvoy.

The Port Macquarie product had turned in third position and the end result gave him the best possible start to his international season.

Coach Lachy Falvey said the most pleasing aspect about the race as preparations continue for the Commonwealth Games in 2018 was the second 50 metres.

“The second 50 has been our focus because that was what he was good at when he was at his best,” Falvey said.

“That’s the most pleasing aspect for me – his second 50. It was a great hit-out for him.”

Magnussen (49.11) stormed home over the last 15 metres to post his first win over McEvoy (49.53) since the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

“He’s had a big rivalry with Cam both nationally and internationally so he was very pleased to do what he did,” Falvey said.

“He turned in second or third, then moved up alongside Cam and then he powered through.”

Magnussen still has some work to do to challenge his personal best time of 47.10, but Falvey was confident the win would build some momentum.

“The big thing for James after races like this is that it builds confidence and momentum and then has a flow-on effect,” the coach said.

“Hopefully it’s a stepping stone for James moving forward.”