Gavin Henson was left disappointed by his display on his return to the Wales team © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Henson handed fitness deadline

News: Henson back on reality TV

Features: Wales caps decision a farce

News: Williams: Hard work begins here

News: Phillips mulling over Crusaders offer

News: Henson's last chance to impress

Matches: Wales 28 - 31 Barbarians

Players/Officials: Mathieu Bastareaud | Gavin Henson | Sergio Parisse | Paul Sackey | Joe van Niekerk | Martyn Williams

Teams: Wales

Wales centre Gavin Henson admitted he was off the pace after an indifferent performance in this Saturday's loss to the Barbarians in Cardiff.

Henson made his first Test appearance for more than two years as the Welsh Rugby Union celebrated their 130th anniversary by hosting the Baa-Baas at the Millennium Stadium. The centre set up a try but struggled throughout a contest the Barbarians snatched 31-28 with a last-gasp Isa Nacewa try.

"I am very proud today, getting back into that Welsh jersey," Henson told the BBC. "I have really enjoyed the week, getting back in and playing today. But I am bitterly disappointed with my performance, there were some bad decisions I made.

"It was a good game to be involved in and it was a pity we lost in the end."

Henson had said prior to the game that he felt it could be his "last chance" to secure a place in coach Warren Gatland's plans for the World Cup. When asked if he thought he had done enough to convince Gatland, the 29-year-old added: "I am not sure. I think I showed glimpses of what I could possibly do.

"It is not my decision, we will just have to wait and see. I would love to be involved in this summer's matches and the World Cup, but whether I did enough today I'm not sure. We will look at the video and see whether the coach wants me or not, but it was a good day and I enjoyed it."

While he appears some way short of his best, Wales coach Warren Gatland is looking forward to continuing to work with the former Saracens and Ospreys man as he starts the process of trimming his panel down to 30 players by the deadline of August 22.

"He looked a bit rusty at times but I thought there were some really nice touches," he said. "He held his depth well and there was a lovely pass to put George North away for a try and that's the quality he has got.

"There were a couple of (poor) kicks, but he knows he is a bit off at the moment - but he showed some nice touches. We want to work with him the next few months. He has been good the last few weeks and it's frustrating that every press conference the story is about Gavin.

"Let him play some rugby and work hard and see what shape we can get him in."

Fly-half Stephen Jones was proud after becoming only the second player to win 100 Wales caps but could not hide his dismay at the result.

"We are bitterly disappointed, we have worked hard in the last 10 days," he said. "We are disappointed to lose but I enjoyed the day and I enjoyed the occasion. The boys have been fantastic all week and I was looking forward to today immensely."