Henson on Dragons, derbies and a disastrous stint at Blues
GAV OPENS UP IN OUR WIDE-RANGING INTERVIEW
GAVIN Henson may be approaching 36, but he’s proving with the Dragons he still has plenty to offer Welsh rugby.
And, ahead of their bumper Boxing Day clash with Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO14 at Newport’s Rodney Parade, he sat down with Wesrern Mail rugby correspondent ANDY HOWELL for an in-depth interview.
Wales’ 2008 and 2005 Six Nations hero was his typical, honest self as he addressed every question in fascinating detail.
The outside-half or centre defended the Wales coaching regime of Warren Gatland and Rob Howley, claimed he was given “false promises” by Cardiff Blues when he joined them, spoke of his subsequent sacking for being drunk, his sending off in a derby between Swansea and Llanelli and admits he expects “niggle” when the Dragons battle it out with the Blues next Tuesday.
He also spelt out the no-nonsense regime brought in at the Dragons by new coach Bernard Jackman and spoke of the impact he expects Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard to make next season...
What’s the mood been in training ahead of facing the Blues on Boxing Day? Henson: The Blues is a massive one for us and there’s a bit of niggle there – I can gauge it from the boys already.
I remember back in the day before the regions when Swansea used to play Llanelli. They were great derbies.
With a full house at Rodney Parade, it will be amazing. I can feel our players are building up for it. How important will it be for you to stay calm? Henson: I don’t have a very good track record... going back to Swansea versus Llanelli at Stradey Park and getting a red card!
I’m older now and more mature and would like to think I have got a cooler head. You don’t want it to blow up but you want that edge.
We all love seeing big hits going in and a bit of niggle but the main thing is the result.
What went wrong when you played Blues in Cardiff earlier this season? Henson: We probably beat ourselves at the Arms Park and we have got to learn from our mistakes we made.
One of our things is to be the best region in Wales, but we haven’t lived up to that yet. Hopefully, we can turn it around, starting on Boxing Day. What’s it like at the Dragons? Henson: I’m really enjoying it but will love it if we get more wins. I have been really impressed by the standard here on the training field but we have got to transfer that to games and put in an 80 minute performance.
With the WRU on board we are definitely moving in the right direction. It’s exciting to be part of.
Our coach Bernard Jackman has created a heck of an environment here. Everyone is on edge every day. If you’re not up to the mark you’re gone.
The pressure is there to perform every day in training and it’s set up brilliantly, which is a coaching skill.
It’s as good an environment as I have ever worked in. I like the way Bernard thinks about the game and some of his ideas.
It’s taken a while to get used to them but they’re starting to come through and we will take off.
What about your form? Henson: I’m trying to get back to the level of performances I had back in the day. I feel there’s a lot more to come from me.
I like helping the players around me. That’s what I get off on, creating for others. You have got to have a mature head on to play at 10.
Hopefully, I can make a few breaks – I’m starting to find a few holes. It’s always pretty personal with me. I still try and play my best rugby.
I’m always looking to improve, even though I’m 35, 36 in February. If it continues, hopefully I will still have a job.
I look after myself and, try to stay up with the physicality and fitness levels because the game is faster than ever. Hopefully I can carry on.
I can still create space in matches. There’s enough space out there for me!