The 25-year-olds stock has fallen sharply over the last two years, to the point where he was overlooked by Jenkins for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland.

He then suffered a season-ending knee injury and there were doubts he would be fit enough - mentally or physically - to be considered for the World Cup.

Part of the problem for Henson in the early part of this season, before the injury, was that the Ospreys saw him largely as a fly-half while Wales were looking at him as a full-back.

But Henson believes his best position is inside centre and this tour gives him a prime opportunity to prove that to Jenkins.

And he hopes to strike up an immediate partnership with Ospreys club-mate James Hook, who will start at fly-half with Stephen Jones being rested.

'I don't think I have let Wales down when I have played at 12. I think playing for Wales suits my game a bit more. It gets the best out of me,' he said.

'I think James and I would look a pretty good partnership. Hopefully we will have a chance on this tour to get it up and running.

'We are pretty good friends off the pitch as well. It could be a good partnership in Australia and in the future.

'I think we really have got a chance of winning both Tests. We were rusty when we drew 29-29 in the autumn (Henson's last game for Wales) and we shouldn't get caught cold like that this time around.

'There is a lot at stake for everyone in this squad with the World Cup round the corner.'

Jenkins confirmed uncapped Cardiff winger Tom James had been called into the squad to replace Hal Luscombe, who withdrew from the tour for family reasons.

Jenkins was also forced into two late changes after losing hookers Mefin Davies and Huw Bennett through injury.

Davies suffered a rib injury during Gloucester's Guinness Premiership final defeat to Leicester while Bennett failed to recover from nerve damage in his neck.

Cardiff Blues hooker Gareth Williams, who last played for Wales in 2003, and Llanelli's Matthew Rees join the squad.

Wales leave for Australia on Tuesday night and face the Wallabies in Sydney on May 26 and Brisbane on June 2.