Henson could be 'world's best' No.12
Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:02
Former Wales captain and rugby great, Jonathan Davies, believes Gavin Henson has the potential to be a world winner at inside centre, looking ahead to the November internationals.
Davies says Wales should reconsider plans to move Henson from No.12 to outside centre, although Jamie Roberts has established himself as Wales' first choice.
"He [Henson] hasn't got the pace to play at outside centre, international teams would expose him," Davies told Scrum V.
"With the new laws Wales are looking to exploit Jamie Roberts' size at No.12, but you need an all-round player there.
"It's ultimately down to Gavin [Henson]. He's a natural 12 who can distribute, carry and kick better than anyone. He can be the best in the world, it's up to him."
Henson, 26, played at inside centre for the full 80 minutes of the Ospreys' 24-23 EDF Energy Cup win over Harlequins on Sunday - his first start since picking up an ankle injury in May.
It was a boost ahead of the November internationals, with Wales having lost just five of the 21 matches the Bridgend man has started for them.
However, the rapid emergence of the weighty Roberts as a midfield force has seen Wales head coach Warren Gatland determined to find a berth for the Blues powerhouse.
The suggestion has been that Henson should be moved into (out-of-form) Tom Shanklin's No.13 jersey - breaking up the centre partnership that took Wales to Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008.
Roberts also played at No.12 for Wales on the June tour to South Africa this year.
"You have to say that Jamie's [Roberts] been playing extremely well, " ex-Ospreys coach Lyn Jones told BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme.
"But Gavin is the more complete player."
