Henson can prove All Blacks wrong

Point to prove: Gavin Henson

14 April 2012

Gavin Henson will attempt to win over a doubting New Zealand public when he pulls on the famous British and Irish Lions jersey for the first time against Bay of Plenty tomorrow in Rotorua.

Henson failed to break into the Wales 2003 World Cup squad because Kiwi coach Steve Hansen - now the All Blacks No2 - didn't believe the Ospreys centre was a team player.

Two years on and Henson is now a Welsh folk hero after helping clinch the Grand Slam and his romance with singer Charlotte Church has given him an even greater profile - but not in New Zealand.

Here, the locals acknowledge the player as the Welsh lad with the fake tan, shaved legs and red spikey hair.

Henson knows he is on trial and if he fails to live up to his burgeoning reputation as a match winner, this could be a painful tour. At least the 23-year-old is making his Lions debut alongside captain Brian O'Driscoll, who has been helping Henson in training.

If these two players can forge a successful midfield partnership then the Lions Test team will start to take shape.

Henson said: "I had a great season, winning the Grand Slam and getting success with the Ospreys. To follow that and be part of this tour is just awesome.

"It was depressing to be left out of the World Cup but it made me improve my game. Now I'm looking forward to playing next to Brian tomorrow. He is the best centre in the world." The opening match of the tour will set the tone for the rest of the campaign and that is why head coach Sir Clive Woodward has included O'Driscoll and the Wasps pair of Lawrence Dallaglio and Josh Lewsey.

Eight of the team that tackle Bay of Plenty tomorrow could appear in the First Test on 25 June. The Lions pack is big and mobile while the only area of potential weakness is outside-half, where Ireland's Ronan O'Gara looks the poorest of the four No10's in the tour party.

Lions: Josh Lewsey (England), Mark Cueto (England), Brian O'Driscoll (capt, Ireland), Gavin Henson (Wales), Tom Shanklin (Wales), Ronan O'Gara (Ireland), Dwayne Peel (Wales); Lawrence Dallaglio (vice-capt, England), Martyn Williams (Wales), Richard Hill (England), Ben Kay (England), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), Matt Stevens (England), Gordon Bulloch (Scotland), Gethin Jenkins (Wales). Replacements: Steve Thompson (England), Andy Sheridan (England), Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland), Martin Corry (England), Matt Dawson (England), Charlie Hodgson (England), Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland).

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