How do you solve a problem like Gavin Henson?

Friday 1 April 2011

Let's get one thing straight first of all. This guy is one of the most talented rugby players the British Isles has produced for the last 20 years. Can any one name a skill (apart from his brain) that he doesn't have? He started off as a mercurial fly half where he was named IRB Young player of the Year, ahead of George Smith. That is quite an accolade already. Failing to establish himself as a fly half in 2004 Wales tried him as an inside centre. He was a revelation. More time on the ball, more space to work with, and a chance to truly show off his defensive and hard hitting tackling ability. Gavin Henson has all the skills to be, on his day a world class rugby player. He has it all. He could have marked himself out as a true great, alongside the likes of O'Driscoll and Wilkinson. What has happened then?

Well first off, injuries. He became to obsessed with bulking up which I personally believe inhibited his game, and put too much pressure on his body and carried a bit too much weight. His shape now, post strictly, looks much more healthy and balanced. His strength is a key asset to him but I think he lost sight of what kind of player he is. He is a mobile creative ball player who is excellent in defence. He is not a Jamie Roberts, who pulls defenders in and punches wholes. Henson needs the ball in his hands giving it to the likes of Roberts and Byrne at the right time. Injuries have stunted his career, but he could have had an almost entire season under his belt now and pushing for his Welsh spot. Instead he has pursued other goals outside of Rugby. If he doesn't make the Wales WC squad he only has himself to blame.

The ordeal with the Ospreys was shameful. A club that stood by him through thick and thin and he let them down in a major way. Think of the clamour to have him reinstated into the Welsh team if he set the Magners League alight. Instead he positioned himself away from the glare of Welsh supporters and coaches in France. Yes if he shines then he will make the Welsh preliminary squad. But instead of running away he should have taken his problems head on. If he had done that I think respect for him all over Wales and the rugby world would have been huge. He could have given Gatland no choice by playing for the Ospreys and forcing Gatlands hand if he played well enough. Instead he is hiding over in France where he away from the public glare he once used to crave.

Where now for Henson? Well the ball is still firmly in his court. He has 4, potentially 8 games to get back in to the Welsh reckoning. Personally I believe that if he shows any kind of form Gatland has to take a look at him, Wales are a better team with him, their attack has more direction and variety. Think of the possibilities, Phillips, Hook, Henson, Roberts, Williams, Halfpenny, Byrne. Mouth watering. If he fails to make the WC squad then I think Rugby could have seen the last of Gavin Henson and we will all return the circus which has surrounded him for so many years. When he plays for Toulon he needs to go back to basics. He needs to prove that his decision making is there, anything physical Gatland and co can sort pre world cup in the summer camps. He needs to show the world that his kicking, passing, and attacking ability is still there. Speed and strength can wait.

My prediction for Henson? Well I hope deep down he can recapture some form and at least make the Welsh WC squad. In my honest opinion I think his time has gone and injury or poor form will see the end to his career very soon. A shame as he had the ability to be a true great.