Henson wishes team-mates well

Gavin Henson will be cheering his colleagues on from the sidelines when the British & Irish Lions face the All Blacks in the first Test this weekend. [more]

Lions Australia Tour 2013

Gavin Henson will be cheering his colleagues on from the sidelines when the British & Irish Lions face the All Blacks in the first Test this weekend.

The Wales international, who has been left out of the side to face New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday, scored two tries in a 26-16 win over Southland on Tuesday.

Henson told Sky Sports: "I was pretty devastated not getting in the side but I love playing rugby. It was nice to have a full game.

"I’ve got to keep on going now. We are all a united squad, we get on really well and I really wish the boys well."

The 23-year-old added: "It is out of my hands now, unless there is a loss or injury. I’m in a difficult position, as I don’t want that to happen.

"It was not such a big deal playing (on Tuesday), I love playing rugby, it was just a massive disappointment."

Wales forward Michael Owen, who captained the side against Southland, felt the win, despite not being straightforward, would give the Test side a lift.

Owen said: "It was a tough game, really competitive, but it is good to win. We’re happy.

"The character shone through, the defence was really strong. We worked hard and got through.

"It would have been nice to have a better performance but it is nice to win and it gives the Test side a boost."

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