Henson in line for recall

Gavin Henson has been presented with a golden opportunity to force his way back into the Wales side for the RBS 6 Nations after Kevin Morgan suffered a broken jaw.

Morgan requires surgery on the injury, which he sustained in Wales’ 21-9 defeat to Scotland, and is definitely out of next weekend’s clash with France in Paris, with his entire tournament also in doubt.

Henson has fallen out of favour with head coach Gareth Jenkins and was not involved in the Wales 22 for the defeats to Ireland and Scotland.

There had been calls for Henson to be reinstated to the Welsh midfield after a poor showing from Jenkins’ men at Murrayfield, but the opening could now come at full-back.

Henson managed to play himself out of the squad with a woeful performance for the Ospreys against Ulster just before the Six Nations, but with Morgan out and Gareth Thomas suspended, he has a chance to prove a point in the Magners League game against Connacht.

Jenkins will also be keeping an eye on Lee Byrne, who also has Test experience at full-back and will play for the Ospreys this weekend after recovering from a knee injury.

The loss of Morgan is a bitter blow for Jenkins, who is beginning to feel the pressure after successive defeats and two disappointing performances.

To make matters worse, number eight Ryan Jones faces a race against time to prove his fitness after suffering a calf strain at Murrayfield.

Wales physiotherapist Mark Davies, speaking about Morgan, said: “Kevin was reviewed by a dentist back in Wales yesterday following a further X-ray and then referred to a facial surgeon who identified a fracture within his jaw bone.

“For best management and with the aim of achieving the earliest return to action it has been decided that Kevin will undergo an operation.

“He will not be available to face France and his availability for the rest of the championship is uncertain, but we are not ruling out a return at this stage. Ryan suffered a calf strain and although his recovery has been substantial in the last couple of days we will not know until the end of the week whether he will be able to take a full part in training ahead of our visit to France.”

Thankfully for Jenkins, there was some good news from the Welsh treatment room.

Along with Byrne’s return to action, winger Shane Williams will play for the Ospreys after overcoming a frustrating side strain.

And Davies was able to ease concerns over James Hook, who was replaced at half time against Scotland with a dead leg.

He said: “James had a scan to his knee yesterday which revealed no structural problem.

“Essentially he has suffered a bleed from his thigh into the back of his knee which will mean he will take no part in training this week, but the prospects of him rejoining full contact training next Monday are high.

“Shane Williams and long term injury victim Lee Byrne have both been given the all clear to play.”