He may have not been happy about a lot of game time in the world cup, but he was just too much of an unknown quantity. If he had had 2 seasons as an AB, he culd have been thoroughly tested against Australia, Boks etc. Henry was never going to start him in the crunch games, especially with his habit of dropping a shoulder into the tackles, which cost him a yellow card. Imagine if he has started and done it in the first ten minutes?
He now has the chance to develop as the first line option in the AB backline.. Especially with Smith's guidance. He is never going to have a better chance to stake his claim.