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Rugby Union

Henson wins Wales call-up

14/11/2007

Centre Gavin Henson has won a reprieve from the Welsh selectors after being included in the 31-man squad for the one-off Test match against South Africa.

The Ospreys star, who has been struggling for form and fitness for several months, is recalled after he was left out of the last squad that went to the Rugby World Cup in France earlier this year.

However after the retirement of veteran flanker Martyn Williams and injuries to a number of other potential starters, including Chris Horsman, Kevin Morgan and Dafydd James, Henson has battled back into contention.

"Gavin Henson is one of the players who is in the category of needing a big game this weekend to convince us he is ready to return to the international arena," said Wales head coach Nigel Davies.

"He has been showing encouraging signs for the Ospreys and it will be a tough test for him at Gloucester playing against Mike Tindall and Anthony Allen.

"We need him somewhere near the peak of his powers if we are to get the best out of him and that is what we will be looking for."

Another controversial selection sees former captain Gareth Thomas excluded from the squad entirely, although Davies confirmed he has already held clear-the-air talks with the veteran full-back.

"I've spoken to Gareth Thomas about our selection policy," Davies explained.

"Although he hasn't ruled himself out of the international reckoning, he has stated publicly that it is perhaps time for younger players to come through and make an impact.

"In this instance, I would tend to agree with him, especially in the light of the performances put in by [Llanelli Scarlets full-back Morgan] Stoddart, Lee Byrne and Tom James so far this season.

"This could be a chance for us to have a look at how these talented young players cope with the pressure of performing on the international stage."

The 31-man squad will be cut to 24 on Sunday, following the club games this weekend. The Test match itself is due to take place at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday November 24th.

Full Wales squad
Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Morgan Stoddart (Scarlets), Mark Jones (Scarlets), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Tom James (Blues), Tom Shanklin (Blues), Jamie Robinson (Blues), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), James Hook (Ospreys), Ceri Sweeney (Dragons), Michael Phillips (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester).

Forwards: Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Alix Popham (Scarlets), Colin Charvis (Dragons), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Blues), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Michael Owen (Dragons), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Rhys Thomas (Dragons), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), T Rhys Thomas (Blues), Gethin Jenkins (Blues, captain), Duncan Jones (Ospreys).