Queensland Reds v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Warren Gatland’s side snatch dramatic win
Queensland Reds 35-36 Wales: Kieran Hardy’s last-minute try secured a much-needed win for the tourists
Wales at last secured their first win of 2024 with a dramatic one-point victory over the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Warren Gatland’s side lost twice to Australia earlier this month to extend their Test losing streak to nine matches, leaving confidence low in the Welsh camp. Kieran Hardy’s last-minute try ensured that the tour finished on a winning note, the replacement scrum half sniping over to snatch it at the death after a mixed performance from the visiting side.
Wales had appeared to have taken control in Brisbane early in the second half, but the hosts fought back as veteran playmaker James O’Connor pulled the strings expertly. A hat-trick for hooker Richie Aasiata and a double for speedy wing Mac Grealy put the Queenslanders on the brink of a famous victory as they threatened to pile more misery on a year of Welsh rugby woe.
But after wings Rio Dyer and Regan Grace had impressed with tries earlier, Hardy popped up at the last for a much-changed Welsh side to give Gatland rare reason to smile and hope of a brighter autumn campaign as he sets about rebuilding his team.
Re-live all of the action from Brisbane below:
Wales end losing run with dramatic tour win over Queensland Reds
Regan Grace marked his first Wales appearance with a try as Warren Gatland’s team ended their Australia tour with a dramatic 36-35 victory against Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
The former St Helens rugby league star produced a fine 18th-minute finish in only his third game of union since switching codes.
Wales, though, needed a Kieran Hardy try one minute from time to see them a home after they let slip a 17-point lead midway through the third quarter.
It was Wales’ first win this year after eight successive defeats that included a Six Nations wooden spoon and 2-0 Test series loss against Australia.
Prop Archie Griffin, Grace’s fellow wing Rio Dyer, flanker Christ Tshiunza and centre Nick Tompkins also scored, with fly-half Sam Costelow kicking three conversions.
Wales end losing run with dramatic tour win over Queensland Reds
Queensland Reds 35-36 Wales: Kieran Hardy snatched victory for Wales in the final minute of a thriller in Brisbane
Reds captain Jock Campbell also has a post-match natter with the host broadcaster
“It’s kind of the story of our season, losing on the bell like that,” Campbell tells Stan Sport. “It was awesome, it was fun to play in. The crowd were awesome, it was really enjoyable.
“In the first half we probably overplayed a little bit but I think we got a little bit more used to their rush defence in the second half.
“With our boys at the Wallabies, it gives other boys a chance.”
Wales captain Gareth Davies reflects on his side’s win
“We expected a tough game and that’s what the Reds gave us. Thankfully we came out on the right side.
“We spoke about having a Test match mentality, even with a few new combinations. It was a little bit sticky in places, our discipline let us down massively, but they have us a great game. The crowd were great tonight, so thanks to the fans for coming out.”
FT: Reds 35-36 Wales
A pulsating encounter to finish Wales’ tour of Australia, and a much-needed victory to take back with them on the long journey home. It looked in those final minutes like Warren Gatland’s side might contrive to throw it away having seemed in complete control early in the second half, but Kieran Hardy struck at the last to snatch it in the throes.
This inexperienced Reds side can be mightily proud of themselves, though, pushing an international side exceptionally close in the absence of their own array of international stars.
Reds 35-36 Wales, 81 minutes
Won back in the air - the Reds have it!
Can they break Wales down? James O’Connor orchestrates, but Wales defend strongly. Left, right, left again...penalty to Wales! At last, Warren Gatland’s side have a win!
TRY! Reds 35-36 WALES (Kieran Hardy, 80 minutes)
WALES SNATCH IT AT THE DEATH!
A Kieran Hardy dagger through the heart of the hosts! Cameron Winnett had gone very, very close, and the Reds just didn’t have life in their legs to hold out any longer. Josh Canham was the lone man left on his feet and was forced to rush out to the right to defend two men over, leaving space for Hardy to dart over.
Now, is there time for a restart? Sam Costelow misses the conversion with seconds to play...and the Reds will have one last go.
Reds 35-31 Wales, 78 minutes
Costelow is back on his feet and back amongst things. Has that gone forwards of Welsh hands? No, stripped back by the Reds and then recovered by the visitors.
Slowly, Wales make advancements. 17 phases, now 18, ten metres short. Nick Tompkins is stood up. Away to the left, Cameron Winnett...just short. Kieran Hardy!
Reds 35-31 Wales, 76 minutes
Into the final five minutes in Brisbane. Chief schemer Sam Costelow is down as Wales plan their heist, but Kieran Hardy keeps things ticking in partnership with a series of forward runners.
Reds 35-31 Wales, 74 minutes
That score prompts a response from Wales, more urgent in their phase play as Kieran Hardy, on at scrum half, adds a bit of zip. Into the Reds 22 they go...but Matt Gibbon jackals brilliantly to win a holding on penalty in the shadow of his own posts! Huge roars in Brisbane, Wales slow to resource the ruck and unable to shift the replacement loosehead.
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