Henson's last appearance on a rugby pitch was in March 2009
Gavin Henson marked his return to rugby by helping Saracens to victory on his debut against Wasps at Wembley.
Henson's fellow second-half substitute Andy Saull scored the only try of the game, teenage stand-off Owen Farrell kicking Sarries' other eight points.
But Henson almost made it a fairy-tale return, denied a try only by a stunning tackle by Wasps scrum-half Joe Simpson.
After going in 3-0 down at the break, Wasps' six points came from Dave Walder's two second-half penalties.
The only score of a dull first half came from the boot of Farrell, who landed an easy penalty.
But Saracens made a great start to the second half as they made good use of their bench.
From scrum-half Neil De Kock's clever offload, flanker Saull stumbled his way to the line for his second try at Wembley this season, Farrell improving to open up a 10-point lead.
Then, within five minutes of his introduction after 21 months out of the game, Henson almost made it a sensational comeback with a try.
Henson had not been seen on a rugby field since picking up an ankle injury while playing for former club Ospreys against Gloucester in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final in March 2009. And, cashing in on loose handling down the Wasps line, he was presented with a 20-yard dash to the line.
But scrum-half Simpson reacted sharpest to deny the Welsh star, smothering him and rolling him onto his back with the sort of two-step rarely seen on any dance floor.
Walder offered Wasps hope with two penalties to reduce the deficit to 13-6, but Farrell landed his third routine kick of the afternoon to restore Sarries' seven-point cushion.
While Sarries climb to second in the table, Wasps left Wembley with a bonus point for their first Premiership defeat since the 37-10 mauling at home to Northampton in October.
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