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Gavin Henson faces late fitness test
By Online Editors
Former Welsh star Gavin Henson faces a fitness battle to make the season opener against Treviso on Saturday.
Dragons could face a halfback deficit as flyhalf Henson and scrumhalves Tavis Knoyle and Rhodri Davies all have late fitness tests ahead of the Guinness PRO14 league opener with Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade on Saturday (KO 7.35pm).
The 36-year-old managed 15 appearances and scored 98 points for the Dragons last season despite facing a number of injury setbacks throughout the campaign.
Henson joined the Dragons in the summer of 2017, after signing a two-year deal to return to Wales from Bristol RFC.
The British and Irish Lion, who toured in 2005 to New Zealand, achieved Grand slams with Wales in the Six Nations Championship in 2005 and 2008.
The versatile back can play as flyhalf, fullback or inside centre.
Head Coach Bernard Jackman has named an extended 27-man squad that features summer signings Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington, Rhys Lawrence, Brandon Nansen, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Dafydd Howells, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Davies.
Henson, Knoyle and Rhodri Davies will all be monitored before the team is finalised later this week.
Aaron Jarvis, Harrison Keddie, Ashton Hewitt and Jared Rosser all miss the opening league game of the season through injury.
Dragons Squad: Brok Harris, Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee, Rhys Lawrence, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Joe Davies, Cory Hill, Brandon Nansen, Ollie Griffiths, Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Davies, Rhodri Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Gavin Henson, Daffyd Howells, Adam Warren, Jordan Williams, Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Zane Kirchner, Huw Taylor
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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