Gavin Henson marked his first start in competitive rugby with an abject 53 minutes in Saracens 28-22 defeat at Sale. With the Wales’ Six Nations curtain raiser just a month away the question is whether or not Henson will find himself in Warren Gatland’s squad. Former Wales fly-half and rugby league great Jonathan Davies for one thinks not.
“Henson doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near the squad and I think everyone is fed up with it.”
In his unfavoured position of outside centre fake-tan clad Henson managed just three touches of the ball. The former Strictly Come Dancing competitor later being removed from the field to a chorus of mocking wolf-whistles before a Saracens fight back set up a thrilling final quarter.
Henson however did make a good contribution in Saracens Boxing Day clash with Wasps at Wembley coming off the bench. Not enough to suggest though that he is deserving of inclusion in Wales’ Six Nations squad.
On Monday Henson made his first real step towards Wales selection after being asked to link up with the national squad for pre-Six Nations testing. The conditioning assessment that took place at the Vale of Glamorgan base sees the Saracen’s centre’s first official involvement for almost two years.
It is Henson’s belief that he needs just two games to prove his worth and value to Welsh rugby. The Double Grand Slam winner’s last cap came against Ireland in March 2009 before his self-imposed rugby exile. An exile that saw his private life played out in many of the tabloid newspapers, seperating from pop-star girlfriend Charlotte Church.
As Wales clearly look to build towards a strong showing at the World Cup in New Zealand in the autumn it is Wales great Brynmor Williams’ belief that there is still room for Henson, but at full-back.
“We’ve got no strength in depth at full-back; Lee Byrne hasn’t been playing very well although he’s got the potential to be an outstanding contributor. Why no Henson at full-back? It’s a bit of an easier position to bring him in [than Henson’s preferred positions of inside centre or fly-half].”
Jonathan Davies on the other hand is of the belief that Henson should be “nowhere near the Wales squad. Unless he plays he is not considered, simple as that . . . you can’t pick a guy on the reputation of one or two games.”
Injury worries will hamper Wales’ preparations for the forthcoming Six Nations, a team that have won just two of their last 13 games. Shane Williams (shoulder), fly-half Stephen Jones (knee ligaments) and full-back Lee Byrne (thumb) all face races against time to be fully fit ahead of the Millennium Stadium clash with a rejuvenated England side.
Gavin Henson however looks intent of waltzing his way into the Wales side for this game, hardly setting the world alight whilst doing so.
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