Henson 'gutted' at Test omission

Henson also admitted he had "had a sleepless night" as he struggled to come to terms with the news which he likens to being left out of the Wales Rugby World Cup squad in 2003. Sir Clive Woodward yesterday revealed that those named to play against Southland would not feature in the first test on 25th June.

"I have made it clear that the players selected for Southland will not feature in the first test," said the Lions Coach. "But that does not mean they do not have the opportunity to play in the second and third Tests."

Ospreys star Henson said his omission had been "hard to take" and had come as "such a shock", especially as the spikey-haired star has done little wrong on his first Lions tour.

"When Clive read out the team for the Southland match I was absolutely devastated, I feel gutted at the moment" he said. Henson, 23, would have hoped to be in contention for a Test berth and will use this set-back to show Sir Clive just what he will be missing when he lines up against Southland tomorrow. "All I can do is try to play well. I have a point to prove. I want to show everyone what I am capable of."

Comparing the situation with his Rugby World Cup disappointment two years ago, Henson was glad that there would be two further Tests: "Back then I felt really low. I don't want that to happen again and luckily there are three tests. You just don't know what will happen. All I can do is try to play well."