FORMER South Africa star Thinus Delport says a fit Gavin Henson could make a big difference to Wales’ World Cup hopes this autumn.

And the ex-Springboks full back and wing believes Henson would form a potent midfield combination with 2009 Lions player of the series Jamie Roberts.

The controversial 29-year-old courted fresh publicity last week when he announced he would be appearing in a TV dating show.

The talented 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam winner made his long-awaited Wales return earlier this month in the defeat to the Barbarians.

It was a low-key comeback for the centre who left Toulon after a bust-up with teammates, including Jonny Wilkinson, in a nightclub.

But Delport, who played for the Boks in the 2003 World Cup, thinks Wales should take Henson, currently deemed not to be 100% match fit, if he is in the right shape.

“If Henson can get his fitness levels up to standard, I think he can add something to the team,” he said.

Delport, who won 18 caps for South Africa between 2000 and 2003, added: “He’s got good distribution skills and, having played fly-half too, he can offer something a bit more in the midfield in terms of playing for field position.

“He would make a good combination with Jamie Roberts – they can be quite a good midfield combination.

“They are a little bit different in their approach to the game and they could form a good balance.”

And Delport thinks the Welsh Rugby Union were right to indefinitely suspended 2009 Lions star Mike Phillips after a late night incident in Cardiff.

The 28-year-old Phillips was named in a 45-man provisional squad for the World Cup, where they face South Africa.

But the ex-Worcester and Gloucester ace thinks Wales will miss the Bayonne No 9 in New Zealand if they decide not to take him.

Delport said: “It’s great they made a stand and put a marker down to say, ‘Listen were not going to stand for this type of behaviour.’ “It’s a team sport and everyone has to fit in to the team.

“But I think he’s one of the key players in the Welsh line-up – especially against South Africa because he’s quite aggressive and physical, so it’s key for him to be in the squad.”

- Thinus Delport spoke to the Argus while at Caldicot School this week where he was helping students in his role as a mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport. See page 40 for pictures and a report.