Kiwi Gatland is a great admirer of Henson’s midfield talents but the former Ospreys centre has not made his selection easy.

Henson took an extended break from the game before returning to action this season with short and controversial spells at both Saracens and Toulon.

Gatland has always left the door ajar for him to return and after being named at 12 for the visit of the Baa Baas, Henson accepts it’s make or break.

“The World Cup is the biggest spectacle, the biggest thing in a rugby career,” Henson said.

“I missed out on the last two and I don't want to watch this one on TV again, I want to be there and have an influence on it.

“It's a massive World Cup coming up and it's my last chance to try and impress on Saturday to try and get involved in the summer internationals, and obviously the big picture of the World Cup.

“I've only had three or four starts this season, it's not ideal but I've got one chance and I've got to take it.

“Hopefully the coaches will like it and I'll get a chance in the summer internationals then.

“I understand I'm pretty low down in the pecking order at the moment but I hope I can turn that maybe.”