Former Wales dual-code star Jonathan Davies says that Gavin Henson does not deserve to be considered for a recall to the Wales squad on current form.
Henson, 28, made his first start for two years in Saracens’ 28-22 loss to Sale on Sunday, but lasted just 53 minutes before being substituted.
The ex-Osprey has said he wants to be selected for Wales’ Six Nations squad.
“Henson doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near the squad and I think everyone is fed up with it,” Davies told Scrum V.
“He played [on Sunday], didn’t perform, okay if he doesn’t play why should he be in the squad?
“We all know what kind of player he is. He had an hour in a position he didn’t play but it was his choice to go to Saracens.
“Unless he plays he is not considered, simple as that… you can’t pick a guy on reputation of one or two games.
That game against England in February is of enormous substance
Brynmor Williams
“He’s the type of player that when he doesn’t play he looks lethargic. He has to play often because he’s a natural rugby player… if he doesn’t play then it doesn’t come natural to him and then he shouldn’t be considered.
“If he comes back and plays and deserves a place well so be it.”
With the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand now looming in September, Davies says that Wales coach Warren Gatland should have a settled squad by this time in the season.
“I wouldn’t go tinkering with the squad now, it’s a year when the tinkering should have been done,” Davies added.
“You keep the same players, you work the same partnerships, combinations.
“Back-row, the front five is very, very strong. We need to sort out our backline but I think it’s a very daunting, tough pool in the World Cup.”
While agreeing that Gatland should largely have settled on his core of players, Wales half-back great Brynmor Williams believes there is still room for an in-form Henson.
“Gavin Henson should be considered a full-back,” Williams said.
“We’ve got no strength in depth at full-back, Lee Byrne hasn’t been playing very well although he’s got the potential to be an outstanding contributor.
“Why not Henson at full-back? It’s a bit of an easier position to bring him in [than Henson’s preferred positions of inside centre or fly-half].
“The obsession with Gavin Henson is upsetting a lot of people I think, he’s getting all this credit I agree.
“But we have no strength in depth, it’s a massive problem in Welsh rugby. If he comes back and proves himself yes, there’s room for him in the Welsh squad.”
Williams also said that on current form the likes of Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel and Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland – who has been deputising impressively for injured Lions 10 Stephen Jones – could earn a Wales spot.
“I would have thought that Warren Gatland and [Wales attack coach] Rob Howley would be looking closely at Dwayne Peel,” Williams said.
“Richie Rees has done a good job, they’ve got Mike Phillips there but we need strength in numbers and I think Dwayne Peel should go to the World Cup.
606: DEBATE
Henson said he would only need a couple of game to get back into the Welsh side, sheer arrogance!
mattwelsh
“[Priestland] is certainly a candidate for the squad… he’s prompting play, he’s attacking the game line all the time and I’m sure Warren Gatland will be noticing this.
“There will have to be a little flexibility, we’ll probably need 25 strong players in order to do battle out in New Zealand.
“But… we should be maturing like a bottle of fine wine if you consider the amount of time that Warren Gatland has been looking after the team, but he’s been unlucky with injuries.
“What we want is an injury-free 12 months and the other essential element for me is going to be momentum.”
Wales begin their RBS Six Nations campaign at home to England on Friday, 4 February and Williams believes that clash could set the tone for the remainder of Wales’ season.
“That game against England in February is of enormous substance as far as what’s going to happen next is concerned,” Williams added.
“We need a good Six Nations, although I don’t tend to subscribe to the view that the Six Nations is the Holy Grail for Welsh rugby.
“The World Cup is the big picture. We need to give a good account of ourselves in the World Cup… I think Wales need to get to the semi-final if we’re going to register some progress.”
