 Davies says Henson can be the best player in the world at 12 |
Former captain Jonathan Davies says Wales should think again about plans to move Gavin Henson from 12 to 13. "He hasn't got the pace to play at outside centre, international teams would expose him," he told Scrum V. "With the new laws Wales are looking to exploit Jamie Roberts' size at 12, but you need an all-round player there. "It's ultimately down to Gavin. He's a natural 12 who can distribute, carry and kick better than anyone. He can be the best in the world, it's up to him."  | 606: DEBATE |
Henson, 26, was at inside centre for the full 80 minutes of the Ospreys' 24-23 win over Harlequins, his first start since picking up an ankle injury in May. It was a boost ahead of the autumn internationals, Wales having lost just five of the 21 matches the Bridgend man has started for them. But the rapid emergence of 17-stone Roberts as a midfield force has seen Wales coach Warren Gatland determined to find a place for the Blues powerhouse. The suggestion has been that Henson may be moved into the out-of-form Tom Shanklin's 13 jersey, breaking up the centre partnership that took Wales to Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008. "You have to say that Jamie's been playing extremely well, " ex-Ospreys coach Lyn Jones told BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme. "But Gavin is the more complete player."  Roberts played at 12 for Wales on the summer tour to South Africa |
Since Jones' departure at the end of last season, the Ospreys have been coached by caretakers Sean Holley and Jonathan Humphreys. Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore has launched a worldwide search for a new coach, the latest rumours suggesting that New Zealand assistant Wayne Smith is in the frame. "Money talks when it comes to contracts and I know how highly rated Wayne is at his former club Northampton," said ex-Wales and Ospreys lock Gareth Llewellyn. But Davies thought the Liberty Stadium region's chances of poaching the Kiwi were more remote. "Wayne's a very, very good coach who would be great for the Ospreys, but I think he's key to the success of New Zealand and it will be about if they want to let him go," said Davies. "I don't know what the situation is, but if there's a chance that he could be coaching the All Blacks when the World Cup comes to New Zealand in 2011... well, it would take a lot of money to persuade him away."
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