Henson will hope to prove Woodward wrong

"When Clive read out the team for the Southland game I was absolutely devastated," said the Wales centre.

"It was really hard to take in because I thought I had a chance of making the Test side, or at least the 22, so to be told I wasn't involved came as a shock.

"I take my game very seriously and this will take me a while to get over. I didn't sleep at all well last night."

Analysis: Who will be the Lions' number 12?

Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward had indicated that he would not select anyone against Southland on Tuesday that will be involved in Saturday's first Test.

But Henson is determined to use the game to show Woodward he is worth a place in the Test team.

"At least I have a game tomorrow, which will help me get it out of my system," said Henson.

I have a point to prove - right now I'm just gutted Lions outcast Gavin Henson

"It means I can straight away get back to what I do best.

"The worst thing would be to just be sitting in a hotel room thinking about it.

"I really need this game tomorrow and of course I have to keep playing and try to press for a Test place later in the tour.

"I had a proper chat with Clive and he told me he doesn't have a problem with the way I'm playing and he said he just wanted to go with experience for the Test.

Woodward is quite clearly insane! How on this earth has Henson been left out of the side? From TIE Have your say on Scrum V

"There are 45 players on tour and the coaches have to make the decisions in the end. I understand that."

It is not the first time that Henson, tipped by many to become a major player on the world scene, has suffered a set-back to his career.

"It's a bit like when I got left out of the World Cup," said Henson.

Dropping Henson could affect team morale Zinzan Brooke last Thursday Read Zinny's column

"Back then I felt really low. I don't want that to happen again and luckily there are three Tests. You just don't know what will happen.