It was a low key start for Henson last night at the Cardiff City Stadium, although Welsh fans were treated to some glimpses of what this gifted player can bring to the game. On a couple of occasions, he managed to fix the opposition midfield with a look as the ball went through his hands like a silk scarf. He offers some impressive options from full back, where he can pick and choose where to enter the line of the attack, and is so much more difficult to mark. It has to be said, however, that the Dragons 15 Martin Thomas shaded that particular contest, and I remain unconvinced by Henson in that position. He has a tendency to let the ball bounce, and one senses that the centre berth allows him less time, and therefore he is able to go back to his rugby instincts. He is just one of those players who try to do too much if they have too much time.
Here's hoping that the Blues don't have to use him at 12 straight away after seeing Jamie Roberts limp off with what looked like a painful knee injury. Gatland (and particularly Edwards, who looks to Roberts for his leadership of the defensive line) will be nervously awaiting reports from the Blues medical team.
Blues owner Peter Thomas was interviewed during the game, and reemphasised the Blues commitment to the City Stadium deal. But how long can they stage home games in such a huge space ? Last night was a good crowd, by league match standards, but the TV cameras gave the viewer the sense that somewhere else in Cardiff there was something else going on. At least we knew for certain that it was not a pack of reporters trailing our Gav around the bars of St Mary's Street. For once.
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