Henson to miss Springboks clash

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The Ospreys centre, who took only a limited part in training this week, has not played for Wales since last season's Grand Slam-clinching victory over France at Cardiff.

With Henson out, Jamie Roberts moves to inside centre, with Tom Shanklin wearing the number 13 shirt and Henson's Ospreys colleague Andrew Bishop promoted to the bench.

Wales attack coach Rob Howley had delivered an upbeat verdict on Henson's prospects during a pre-match press conference. Howley spoke about the Wales camp being "comfortable" with Henson's situation and about wanting him "fired up" to face the Springboks.

While the media session continued though - and oblivious to Howley - Henson's withdrawal due to a long-standing Achilles' problem was being confirmed in another part of the stadium.

Henson, meanwhile, had taken a reduced role in training this week, and he watched Wales' final run-out from the touchline in conversation with Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis.

Howley said: "We wanted to give Gavin the best opportunity to be available to play against South Africa. Gavin decided to tell us he felt, mentally and physically, that he wasn't going to be ready for the game.

"We wanted to leave the decision down to Gavin. We feel he is a mature person, and we were comfortable without him training on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon this week.

"Gavin is a player who has huge respect from the squad, and he is mature enough to make that decision. He aggravated the injury against London Irish last Sunday. The players want to be 100%, and Gavin feels he is not 100%.

"We are very fortunate to be able to bring Tom Shanklin in, and we are looking forward to the combination of Tom and Jamie playing."