ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP Saracens 13 Wasps 6:GAVIN HENSON made his comeback yesterday after a 21-month absence as Saracens ended Wasps' unbeaten run to move second in the English Premiership.
Henson’s fellow replacement Andy Saull scored the decisive try with Saracens outhalf Owen Farrell and Wasps’ opposite number Dave Walder landing two penalties apiece.
Wasps left Wembley with a bonus point but it was their first Premiership defeat since their 37-10 mauling at home to Northampton in October.
Saracens attracted a St Stephen’s crowd of 38,421 to Wembley and all eyes were on Henson, who had not played since the Ospreys’ LV= Cup semi-final in March, 2009.
For six months after taking unpaid lead from the Welsh region, Henson believed he would not play rugby again.
The 28-year-old fled Wales following his split from fiancee Charlotte Church and he trod the reality television beat, with appearances in 71 Degrees North and Strictly Come Dancing.
But amid all the sequins and prime television appearances, Henson said he began to miss the blood and thunder of top-flight rugby. He jumped at the chance of joining Saracens until the end of the season and his sights are now set on playing for Wales again, first in the Six Nations and then next year’s World Cup.
Yesterday was a first tentative step down that road. Typically, it took just two minutes before Henson was at the heart of the action when he picked off an interception just metres from the Wasps line.
Henson drove for the line but he was wrapped up by Joe Simpson and could not ground the ball as the Wasps scrumhalf denied him a dream comeback.
Despite his limited training time with Saracens, Henson did not shy away from contact and he made a couple of powerful ball carries. One of which left Wasps centre Ben Jacobs shaken.
When Henson came on, Saracens led 10-0. There had almost been more entertainment at half-time than in the whole first 40 minutes, when Saracens supporter Matthew Rouse winning €295,000 in the crossbar challenge.
Saracens were 3-0 up at the interval courtesy of a penalty from Farrell and they extended their advantage with a beautifully crafted try from Saull six minutes into the second half.
After approach work from Farrell and Ernst Joubert, Saull raced onto De Kock’s clever offload. The flanker was brought to his knees but had enough momentum to stretch for the line and touch down.
With Saracens on top, Henson was sent on for Michael Tagicakibau and almost marked his arrival with a try.
Wasps tried to run the ball from inside their own 22 but their timing was poor and the ball rebounded up off Steve Kefu for Henson. But Simpson recovered quickly and somehow managed to get himself between Henson and the Wembley turf to deny the Wales international a dream comeback.
“I didn’t believe I was over the line,” said Henson afterwards. “He wrapped the ball up really well when he tackled me and I couldn’t do anything about that. But never mind, I will score next time.”
Henson spent most of his action in defence as Wasps cranked up the pressure and two Walder penalties drew them back into touching distance.
But Saracens held firm and sealed an important victory but one that will be overshadowed by the return to action of rugby’s dancing celebrity.
“It was a great comeback for me,” said Henson afterwards.
“It was awesome. I slipped off a couple of tackles but I felt really good out there. I need to play longer and need to start a game now.
“It was just like riding a bike but I haven’t done much or trained much. I went alright but I feel strong and felt good in the contract area. Now I just need a start for Saracens.”
SARACENS: Wyles, Strettle, Tagicakibau, Barritt, Short, Farrell, de Kock, Carstens, Brits, Nieto, Borthwick, Vyvyan, K. Brown, Melck, Joubert. Replacements: Goode for Wyles (12 mins), Henson for Tagicakibau (51 mins), Wigglesworth for de Kock (64 mins), Du Plessis for Nieto (51 mins), Smith for Vyvyan (51 mins), Saull for K. Brown (40 mins). Not Used: George, Gill.
WASPS: van Gisbergen, Varndell, Jacobs, Kefu, Lemi, Walder, Simpson, Taulafo, Lindsay, Broster, Shaw, Cannon, Worsley, Betsen Tchoua, Powell. Replacements: Berry for Simpson (63 mins), Payne for Taulafo (52 mins), Veale for Cannon (70 mins). Not Used: Hobson, Baker, Jones, Jewell, Haughton.
Referee: Tim Wrigglesworth(RFU).
