Wales' Assistant Coach Says Henson 'Deserves A Chance'

Gavin Henson still has it what it makes to make an impact at Test level according to Wales assistant coach Rob Howley.

The 29-year-old centre is set to make his return to Wales duty in this weekend's match against the Barbarians, which, unusually, has been accorded full Test status by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

It is more than two years since Henson last played for Wales and the centre only recently returned to playing senior club rugby union after a lengthy self-imposed absence from the sport.

But Howley believes Henson -- currently without a club after brief stints with English champions Saracens and French side Toulon -- can make an impact just three months out from the World Cup in New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

"I think it's easy to criticise the fact Gavin hasn't played," said Howley.

"Gavin has been there and done it with what he has achieved in the game, the (Wales) Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008.

"He has been a player who has been highly influential in the game when he has played. I think Gavin deserves a chance, that is my personal opinion.

"What he is able to do is he has got a natural talent in creating space, not only for himself, but for the back three and opportunities outside him.

"It's giving Gavin the chance of making his name on the rugby field. It's down to Gavin now.

"He might be starting, he might be on the bench, but if he comes on then hopefully it is a positive influence that he has.

"He has trained well over the last four or five days, and it's just transferring that now on to the field."

Fly-half Stephen Jones is set to become, after Gareth Thomas, only the second Wales player to win 100 Test caps when he takes the field against the Barbarians and Howley said that the match will be important in taking a look at veterans like Jones and less experienced players.

"In World Cup year, you are looking at strength in depth. It's important we get that balance right in terms of youth and experience.

"It is an important game, it's a Test match. Attitude in terms of mindset will be the most important element on Saturday afternoon."

The Barbarians go into the game on the back of a 38-32 win over a second-string England side at Twickenham last weekend.

Arguably the most famous invitational side in the sport, the Barbarians are set to feature Wales forwards Martyn Williams and Iestyn Thomas as well as former All Black wing Doug Howlett.

"The one thing you don't have as a Baa-baas player is the fear of losing," said Howley.

"You just turn up and play, with a never-say-die attitude.

"I was not surprised by their performance against England, and the longer you are on tour the better you get. I am sure they will have a very strong side out on the weekend."