The move - for Friday night's Magners League clash - clears the way for James Hook to link up with Stephen Jones in the fly-half/inside centre positions, with Henson now seen as a full-back in the squad.

Former skipper Gareth Thomas is thus set to move to the wing, covering for the injuries that have ruled both Shane Williams and Mark Jones out of the RBS Six Nations opener against Ireland.

That the Ospreys consented to the request without a murmur, as well as all four regions giving up their international players for an extra weekend before the start of the Six Nations, shows just how well Jenkins and the four regional coaches have managed to balance the club v country issue, and Jenkins felt confident enough to issue a mission statement entitled: 'Winning on 20/10/07' (the 2007 World Cup Final date).

"We are very close to creating an environment which will be the envy of the northern hemisphere as far as working partnerships are concerned," said Jenkins.

"I have asked no Wales squad player to play this weekend unless I feel it is necessary, as in Gavin's case.

"That is the agreement I have. The majority of players in Wales will have this week off before the start of the Six Nations.

"To be a champion, you have to think like one. We know clearly where we are, where the best is and we know clearly where we have to improve.

"The challenge is to win the World Cup and I believe that can happen."