Henson Devastated By Test Omission

Gavin Henson has spoken of his Lions Test team heartache and admitted: "I am absolutely devastated."

While the Lions' likely Test 22 remained in Christchurch ahead of next Saturday's showdown with the All Blacks, Welsh Grand Slam star Henson was summoned to southern outpost Invercargill.

Rather than tackle New Zealand's finest, Henson will line up in a midweek match against Southland and the prospect of coping with a huge career setback.

Henson revealed he has already discussed his Test rejection with Lions chief Sir Clive Woodward, but also vowed to try to bounce back.

And the Neath-Swansea Ospreys centre found an ally in the shape of All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, who confessed his surprise at Henson's first Test omission.

"When Clive read out the team for the Southland game, I was absolutely devastated," said the 23-year-old Welshman.

"It was really hard to take in because I really thought I had a chance of making the Test side, or at least the 22, so to be told I wasn't involved came as such a shock.

"I take my game very seriously, and this will take me a while to get over. I didn't sleep well last night. At least I have a game tomorrow, which will help me get it out of my system. It means I can get back straightaway to doing what I do best.

"The worst thing would be just to be sitting in a hotel room thinking about it - I really need this game tomorrow. I had a proper chat with Clive, and he told me he doesn't have a problem with the way I am playing - he just wanted to go with experience for the Test.

"There are 45 players on tour, and the coaches have to make the decisions in the end. I understand that."

Henson compared his Test agony with that of missing out on Wales' 2003 World Cup squad, when his countrymen lost a thrilling quarter-final to eventual winners England in Brisbane.

"Back then, I felt really low, and I don't want that to happen again," he said. "Luckily, there are three Tests, and you just don't know what will happen.

"All I can do is try to play well. I have a point to prove, and I want to show everyone what I am capable of, but right now, I am just gutted."

Carter, meanwhile, added: "I was a bit surprised to see Henson left out of the squad. He had a great Six Nations with Wales, he played really well, so I was quite surprised to see him selected to play against Southland."