A nation is today basking in the glory of Wales' first victory over England in Cardiff for 12 years - and they have found a new hero into the bargain.

For Gavin Henson, just four days past his 23rd birthday, stepped up four minutes from the end of a heartstopping finale at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday to land a difficult 45 yard penalty to send tens of thousands inside the stadium and the rest of the country into ecstacy. Wales coach Mike Ruddock admitted he couldn't look whereupon super cool Henson asked: "Why not? I was never going to miss."

Spikey haired Henson of the fake tan and silver boots also twice dumped England's teenage debut maker Matthew Tait on the seat of his pants and stopped powerhouse prop Julian White in his tracks. He admitted yesterday he went out into Cardiff after the game, but was overwhelmed by fans - Hensonmania has arrived.

The Welsh management will struggle to keep the lid on after this epic.