Wales coach Warren Gatland has challenged the returning Gavin Henson to prove himself worthy of a World Cup place on Saturday.
Wales coach says henson needs to prove himself on Saturday
Wales coach Warren Gatland has challenged the returning Gavin Henson to prove himself worthy of a World Cup place on Saturday.
Henson is back in the Wales starting line-up for the first time in over two years on Saturday as part of the team to face the Barbarians at Millennium Stadium.
The 29-year-old has had his troubles in the last year with just short stints at both Saracens and Toulon as his only competitive rugby action.
Henson is still looking to re-launch his international career with Wales though, and has been given a chance by Gatland to show exactly what he can do.
Gatland says Henson knows all eyes will be on him in Cardiff at the weekend, and has challenged him to take his chance.
Spotlight
"Gavin is well aware how much under the spotlight he is," said Gatland. "He knows he has got an opportunity.
"He has played a few games and he has looked good in training this week with us. I don't think we have got a lot to lose.
"If he shows some touches and some form, it means we can work with him together over the next few months and hopefully he might be part of the World Cup squad."
Henson will take up his place in midfield alongside Jonathan Davies, having last represented his country during the 2009 Six Nations.
Gatland says Henson has already shown in training that he still has that touch of class that brought him to everyone's attention in the first place.
"We know what nice little touches he has got, and he has started doing that in training," Gatland added.
"He knows Saturday is a big game for him, and hopefully he will do well. We want to take the opportunity to have a look at him."
