Time for Gatland to change his style

WARREN Gatland is being challenged to give Wales a new dimension and introduce the double playmaker tactic used by the Lions.

The call comes from double Grand Slam champion Gavin Henson.

“Gatland coming back from the Lions should give Wales a boost but now he has to think about the World Cup,’’ Henson told

The Rugby Paper. “It was nice to see the Lions make the change at 10 and 12 after losing the first Test. It made the difference.

“Wales have used an effective formula in the Six Nations. But will they change for the World Cup?

“That’s the decision they have to make. Gatland now knows how to beat New Zealand based on the game the Lions played. Surely he will try that with Wales.’’

The Lions relied on an Anglo-Irish axis in midfield to save the series.

Copying England’s double fly half ploy (George Ford/Owen Farrell) would leave Gatland choosing two from five – Dan Biggar, Sam Davies, Rhys Priestland, Gareth Anscombe, Rhys Patchell.

Henson, a specialist in both positions with the titles to prove it, plans to defy the odds at 35 and play his way back into the Test arena as a leading light in the resurrection of Newport Gwent Dragons, adamant that he provides the key to unlock Welsh predictability.

New head coach Brian Jackman, the former Ireland hooker, has been sufficiently impressed to describe the Welsh veteran as ‘the ultimate professional’.

“I watch the Welsh games and I feel I can do something that would really help,’’ Henson said at the Dragons’ hi-tech training base in Ystrad Mynach. “I love it when we are winning and playing well. When we aren’t, then I’m thinking I could really bring something different.

“I offer something they don’t have in the Welsh squad. When I see how good the Welsh players are I just imagine what it would be like to play in a team like that. I didn’t get that chance when I was younger.’’

Henson, last on Wales duty six years ago before a broken wrist cost him his place at the 2011 World Cup, says he has never been more motivated in pursuit of his most elusive goal.

“I’ve never been to a World Cup and I’m definitely going to go for the next one,’’ he said. “Obviously they will hold my age against me. It’s going to take stand-out performances week in, week out for me to get anywhere near the Welsh team. I know that.

“I love playing 10 or 12. It would be amazing to get one last shot at proving myself. It’s all about staying fit.’’

Jackman said: “I’ve rung mates of mine and told them: ‘You’re not going to believe how impressed I am by Gavin. He is the ultimate professional with a deep understanding of the game And his GPS scores are right up there with the fittest of the young backs.

“I played with Brian O’Driscoll, Gordon D’Arcy, Jason Robinson, Charlie Hodgson, Felipe Contepomi. He is as gifted as any of those players.”