Forget his age, Henson’s still got the magic touch – Jackman

GAVIN Henson may be 35 but he remains one of best game managers in world rugby.

That’s the message from Bernard Jackman in the wake of Wales’ twice Six Nations Grand Slam winning hero nursing them to Guinness PRO14 glory against Connacht.

The 21-8 triumph over the 201516 tournament kings ended a Welsh record losing streak of 11 in the league and was the Gwent region’s first since former Ireland hooker Jackman took over as coach and Henson arrived from Bristol.

And the outside-half was instrumental in keeping Connacht at bay with his siege-gun kicking and smart play after the Dragons had lost three backs to injury just before half-time and were forced to field a makeshift back division at Newport’s Rodney Parade. “It was Gavin’s best game – he has looked a million dollars since he came here then he had a knock in a pre-season training game with Bath,” beamed Jackman.

“That set him back, but he’s got better each game and had some really good moments against Connacht.

“I said to the boys at half-time: ‘We have one of the best game managers in the world controlling it for us’.

“Gavin was excellent. He played in the right areas and controlled the pace of the game.”

Henson will have a key role to play for the Dragons with an injury crisis depriving them of another of their major summer signings, former South Africa full-back Zane Kirchner, while Wales cap Tyler Morgan and fellow centre Sam Beard, plus wing prospect Jared Rosser are also out.

Morgan, who started the narrow 2015 World Cup quarter-final defeat to South Africa at Twickenham, damaged ribs, Kirchner dislocated his right shoulder and faces a long spell on the sidelines while Rosser injured a hip.