Saracens 13-6 London Wasps, Aviva Premiership, December 26
Henson sets sights on Wales recall
ESPNscrum Staff
December 26, 2010
Gavin Henson enjoys some good-natured banter with the crowd, Saracens v London Wasps, Aviva Premiership, Wembley, London, England, December 26, 2010
Gavin Henson made his long-awaited comeback at Wembley © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Tony Hanks | Gavin Henson | Brendan Venter
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: Saracens | Wasps
Grounds: Wembley Stadium

Gavin Henson was a satisfied man after making his first appearance on a rugby field in 20 months in Saracens' hard-fought 13-6 Aviva Premiership win over London Wasps at Wembley on Boxing Day.

The former Wales star made his eagerly-awaited return to the game 11 minutes into the second half, coming on at outside centre for Michael Tagicakibau, and has now signalled his desire to return to the Test stage.

"The reason I got back into rugby was to play for my country. I would love to do it in the Six Nations but time is running out," he said."I need to start a game of rugby, and at 12 as well. I wouldn't have thought Wales are looking at me at 13. If anything, they are looking at me at 12.

"I felt pretty good out there. I didn't feel like I had been out for 21 months. I just need a bit more time out there and a bit more time with the ball in my hands hopefully. I was at 13 and I have never really played there before. I think I prefer 12. I can get my hands on the ball a lot more."

Henson almost scored with his first touch of the ball after picking off an interception 10 metres from the Wasps line but he was wrapped up by Joe Simpson and could not ground it. Shaun Edwards, the Wasps head coach and Wales defence coach, hailed Simpson's tackle but was delighted to see Henson back in action.

"He looked good, let's be honest. He looked pretty sharp, didn't he? Fair play to him. You always want world class players like that, particularly from a Welsh angle," he said. "I am just glad that Joe Simpson got underneath him."

Saracens head coach Mark McCall said Henson would almost certainly be involved against Sale next weekend - but he stressed that Brad Barritt remains the club's first choice inside centre.

"Brad Barritt is an outstanding 12. He is having a great season so we are in no rush to move Brad anywhere," he said."Gavin is finding his feet at the moment. He is getting to know our systems. We are not going to rush him too much.

"I am not sure where he will end up for our club. I think 12 is his best position but he showed today he is more than capable of playing 13. It is likely Gavin will be involved over the next couple of weeks but whether he starts or is on the bench, we will have to wait and see. We have to decide whether he then becomes registered for the European Cup."

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