When Wales were awarded a penalty with three minutes to go while trailing 9-8 against England on Saturday, in effect a kick to win the game, some might have shuffled around trying to hide behind the biggest forward. Not Henson.

If the Welsh centre did not actually drag the ball from the arms of number one kicker Stephen Jones as he debated what to do with captain Gareth Thomas, then he stopped only just short.

The crowd, sensing history in the making, chanted his name. Henson...Henson...Henson.

And what followed was a towering kick at a tight angle from 44 metres which sailed through the uprights to clinch an 11-9 victory and project Henson into the realms of national hero.

Coming after a man-of-the-match performance of genuine class there is every chance it might also have propelled Henson, with his slick suits, gelled hair and playboy image, into the sphere of rugby superstar.

Yes, I did ask for it because Id been kicking really well all week, explained Henson, who had seen Jones struggle with two long-range efforts.

Id been practising the long range stuff all week. I really wanted that one. I just knew straightaway when I was lining up that I was going to put it over. It was written for me.

Im the sort of player who likes pressure. It makes me more concentrated and I think I perform better.

Fly-half Jones confirmed his own relief at seeing that kick sail over and joined those lining up to pay tribute to a nerveless Henson.

I knew I was going to struggle to make it, said Jones. I said to Gareth This is touch and go.

The percentages of Gavin reaching it were far higher than me. When he said he wanted it there were no problems. There were no doubts hed miss it the way he was playing. He had a superb game. His defence was superb and he made some great hits.

Physically hes a specimen, a balanced player, he glides when he runs and obviously hes got a great kicking game as well. Hes got a good all-round game. Im glad hes Welsh.