Henson happy to take centre role

Bowen, who won 24 caps between 1983 and 1989, played in both positions for Wales - and has faith that Henson will adapt against South Africa on Saturday.

"It can work," he told BBC Wales Sport. "He is a huge talent, and probably the best kicker out of hand I've seen.

"But Stephen Jones alongside him must guide him on and give him confidence."

A big plus is that he has Sonny Parker alongside him as well, who plays for the same regional side. That will be a great help to him. Bleddyn Bowen

Bowen accepts the positions have different demands but feels Henson should still be able to play to his strengths against the Springboks.

"There's no doubt there is a huge difference in the roles," he added. "Defensively for one - you're expected to make more tackles.

"But I've watched Henson play at number 10 for the Ospreys this year and he's been absolutely superb.

"You don't seem to have so much time with the ball in your hand these days and with Henson being the prodigious kicker that he is, I'd like to see him get the ball in his hand as often as he can."

Henson's interplay with Jones will also be a big factor according to Bowen.

"It will be vitally important," he said. "But a big plus is that he has Sonny Parker alongside him as well, who plays for the same regional side. That will be a great help to him.

"Jones and Parker are very good defensive players and they have to bring Henson along.

"He also has to have it in his mind all the tume that he is playing centre, and not drift back into his own half when South Africa are attacking - he does that quite a lot for the Ospreys.

I would chose him at fly-half and I wouldn't chose him at all at centre because he's totally inexperienced in that position Gareth Davies

"Jones will have to do that job and Henson will have to remind himself to go up into midfield with Parker."

However, another former Wales outside half, Gareth Davies, does not think Henson should be played out of position for his country.

"I would choose him at fly-half and I wouldn't choose him at all at centre because he's totally inexperienced in that position," Davies, who won 21 caps between 1978 and 1985, said.

"Choosing Henson at centre doesn't reflect well on the other centres in Wales, although he has been the brightest performer in Wales this season.

"We also have to remember that Stephen Jones controls the game well at fly-half so it would have been harsh on him if he was dropped for this game.

"So it's a difficult decision for Mike Ruddock on the one hand, but I think you weaken the team when you play people out of their best position."