The Barbarians picked up their second win in succession as they beat Wales 31-28 at the Millennium Stadium earlier today. Gavin Henson made his return in Welsh colours, but had a bit of mixed bag.
In a match that failed to really kick into gear, both sides looked a little all over the place. It was a good finish though with a nice Isa Nacewa try, and with two tanks in the Barbarians midfield, there were always going to be a few hefty tackles flying in from all directions.
Probably the biggest of the day was Fijian Seru Rabeni’s massive hit on former Ospreys center Gavin Henson, who was playing for Wales for the first time since facing Ireland in 2009. It wasn’t quite the return he’d hoped for, but he enjoyed being out there nevertheless.
“I am very proud today, getting back into that Welsh jersey. I have really enjoyed the week, getting back in and playing today,” he said. “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 is obviously aiming to make Warren Gatland’s World Cup squad, and said that he hopes the coach was impressed by the good things he did out there.
“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.”
Henson has since been included in Wales’ provisional World Cup squad of 45, which will be reduced to 30 before August 22nd.
Below is a lighthearted look at Gavin’s day, including the big tackle from Rabeni, and some of the other bits which he’d have been disappointed in. It’s been uploaded very shortly after the game (by a Welshman) so is worth sharing for now, mainly because of the big hit, and perhaps a bit of a laugh for some.
Highlights of the match will probably be posted sometime over the next day or so.
Time: 01:01
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