Controversial centre Gavin Henson
included in Wales 2011 Rugby World Cup Provisional Squad
Wales national rugby union team head coach, Warren Gatland, has included the controversial centre Gavin Henson into the Welsh provisional squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC). Gatland made the announcement after Wales' 28
– 31 defeat against the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday June 4.
Bridgend born Henson was playing his first international game after an approximately two year lay-off. His previous international appearance for Wales came against Ireland during the 2009 Six Nations tournament match on March
21, 2009, at the same venue in which he made his comeback two years later.
The inclusion of Henson has stretched the Gatland’s provisional squad to 45 men. Gatland had a good look at Henson’s performance on his return game against the formidable opponents. The 29-year-old Henson played for 62 minutes
in the game before Scott Andrews substituted for him during Saturday’s game.
Commenting on his performance in the match, Gatland acknowledge that Henson looked out of match practice and his kicking was below standards. However, he expressed his hopes that with some intensive training he can overcome his issues.
Gatland termed Henson as a hard working player and admitted that he played a few impressive passages in the game. He said, “There was a lovely pass to put George North away for a try and that's the quality he has got.”
He further added, “We want to work with him for the next few months. He has been good the last few weeks and it's frustrating that every press conference the story is about Gavin. Let him play some rugby and work hard and see what shape we can get him in."
Wales’ provisional squad for the 2011 RWC includes:-
Forwards: H Bennett (Ospreys), L Burns (Dragons), R Hibbard (Ospreys), M Rees (Scarlets), S Andrews (Cardiff), R Bevington (Ospreys), P James (Ospreys), G Jenkins (Cardiff), A Jones (Ospreys), C Mitchell (Exeter), J Yapp (Cardiff), L Charteris
(Dragons), B Davies (Blues), AW Jones (Ospreys), L Reed (Scarlets), G Delve (Melbourne Rebels), T Faletau (Dragons), R Jones (Ospreys), D Lydiate (Dragons), R McCusker (Scarlets), A Powell (Sale Sharks), J Thomas (Ospreys), J Tipuric (Ospreys), J Turnbull
(Scarlets), S Warburton (Blues), M Williams (Blues).
Backs: T Knoyle (Scarlets), D Peel (Sale), M Phillips (Ospreys), R Rees (Blues), S Jones (Scarlets), R Priestland (Scarlets), J Tovey (Dragons), J Hook (Perpigan), A Bishop (Ospreys), J Davies (Scarlets), G Henson (unattached), J Roberts
(Cardiff), G North (Scarlets), A Brew (Dragons), M Stoddart (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), L Byrne (Clermont Auvergne), L Halfpenny (Cardiff).
Tags: