THE build-up to the 2003 World Cup starts here.

Wales coach Graham Henry has put down a marker for the future with the first start at outside half for Swansea teenager Gavin Henson, pictured, against Romania at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night.

"It's important to give him the opportunity to play at 10," said Henry. "He's been playing all over the shop with Swansea, but he's shown a lot of ability and I hope this will help his development.

"There's a shadow group of players we're looking at for 2003 and we're thinking of that. But every Test match is important so we need to do well and build for the World Cup."

Henson said: "This is very different from being on the sidelines or just around the squad. This is the real thing and the emotions are a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

"A lot of people have shown faith in me and now I have to set out to prove them right."

Henson joins Bath openside Gavin Thomas, chosen instead of eligible again Brett Sinkinson, and replacement Adrian Durston of Bridgend as the new brooms.

"These are young guys with huge potential," said Henry. "They have things to prove that should also prove a stimulus for the older players.

"Setting new standards is what we have aimed for from thebeginning of my time here.

"There has been a marked improvement, but that curve has stretched upwards again. This has to be an exciting beginning to what is sure to be a very long campaign."

Henry hinted he would have experimented more had it not been for injuries, but as it is there will be few changes for the postponed Six Nations clash against Ireland on October 13.

"Mark Jones, Shane Williams and Craig Morgan need field time to develop, but they are not getting that because of injuries," he said.

"This will be pretty close to the team against Ireland. Not many of our injured players will be available, so the performance against Romania will be important."

At the other end of the experience scale to Henson, scrum half Rob Howley wins his 50th cap, following on from Scott Gibbs last season, though there is increasing speculation Gibbs is to quit international rugby.

"It has come in a short period, just five years," said Howley. "I never thought in 1996 my 50th cap would be coming up now.

"We're looking forward to it as preparation for the Ireland game. We all know how well the Irish provinces are going."

Though Romania are without four players because their French clubs have refused to release them, they still field three overseas-based players in Begles-Bordeaux full back Gabriel Brezoianu, Rovigo tight head Marcel Socaciu and Castres loose head Dragos Dima.