Cardiff. - Gavin Henson has taken the field for Wales with fake-tan all over his legs and more gel in his hair than an 80's pop star.

In the macho world of rugby union this is either brave or foolhardy. Whatever your opinion, it certainly is not the approach of a man lacking in self-confidence.

Yet Wales coach Warren Gatland believes the 26-year-old centre, due to start against world champions South Africa at the Millennium Stadium here Saturday, needs to bolster a belief in his own ability.

"Gavin expresses himself by the way he looks on the field and stuff," Gatland said.

"Off the field he is very quiet and a very private person. A lot of people are surprised to hear that," the New Zealander added.

"From our point of view we are working with him to get him to talk more and communicate more and get confidence and self-belief in his ability," the former Wasps and Ireland coach added.

"When he does go out there and he has that belief and confidence, we know what a great player he can be.

"That is just part of our role as coaches, to keep talking to him and keep giving him those responsibilities and leadership roles we've been working on."

Henson, whose relationship with girlfriend Charlotte Church has been labelled as Wales's answer to David and Victoria Beckham, is still searchng for full fitness following an ankle injury.

He has started just three games this season, having been banned for two matches by regional club side Ospreys for missing training.

Henson, though, is something of a talismanic figure for Wales. He was there at kick-off in all 10 of the Six Nations matches in 2005 and 2008 which saw Wales completed Grand Slams.

And, according to Wales assistant coach Shaun Edwards, that's not just a lucky coincidence.

"If you look historically at the Welsh team, there is no doubt Gavin has had a good impact when he has played," said Edwards. "The team has won a lot more than they have lost. We are more than happy to have Gavin back.

"He has been solid in defence for us and a real threat with ball in hand. He is a guy who can make the half break and also has a very big boot on him when needed."

And Gatland believes it's just a matter of time before Henson hits top-form again. "Gavin is one of those players that likes to have a number of games under his belt to feel good about himself when he's
playing. That is the type of player he is.

"But when he gets back into the swing of things and has a few games you will see that confidence return. I am not worried about that at all." - Sapa-AFP