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:
Reds 21-31 Wales, 57 minutes
A wobbly moment for Rio Dyer under the high ball, retreating under pressure from Mac Grealy and prodding a boot at James O’Connor’s up-and-under. Sam Costelow helps him out but can only slide over the touchline - is momentum just beginning to swing?
Reds 21-31 Wales, 55 minutes
Another former Rebel is introduced for the Reds, Matt Gibbon on for Sef Fa’agase on the loosehead side. Opposite number Corey Domachowski has also been introduced, though he and Tommy Reffell are penalised.
TRY! REDS 21-31 Wales (Richie Asiata, 53 minutes)
A hat-trick for Richie Asiata!
What a day for the hooker! He’s barely featured all year for the Reds, down in the pecking order and riddled with injury, but the front rower has three scores against the touring Welsh side. Once more it is the mass of the maul that does the damage, taking Asiata at the tail to within reaching distance to allow the hooker to do the rest.
Reds 14-31 Wales, 52 minutes
We haven’t seen too much of Tim Ryan in the open field today, but that’s a bright carry from the youngster, bouncing between bodies like a commuter rushing for the underground.
Eek! Jock Campbell is lifted and driven down into the floor. The full-back lands on his shoulder, with the pair of Welsh lifters actually putting him down gently in the end, saving them from sanction beyond just a penalty.
Reds 14-31 Wales, 50 minutes
Vintage Gareth Davies, firing out of the line to intercept a Tim Ryan pass. But Wales can’t build on their captain’s work, Reds hands all over breakdown ball and drawing a holding on call.
Reds 14-31 Wales, 48 minutes
Mackenzie Martin is perplexed as the referee rules him held up in the carry having seemingly got a knee to floor after taking contact inside his own half. Three Reds engulfed him, and earn a scrum feed.
Ex-Rebel Lachie Anderson is on for a Reds debut in the back three.
TRY! Reds 14-31 WALES (Nick Tompkins, 46 minutes)
Nick Tompkins bursts between the bodies to the line!
Wales are beginning to take control of the contest. The Reds just can’t find ways of punching them back in the carry, leaving them ever on the back foot and unable, really, to chllenge at the breakdown. They overfold to the openside as Gareth Davies switches back to the blind, opening up enough room for Tompkins to step back against the grain off his left foot and power over. Sam Costelow converts.
Reds 14-24 Wales, 45 minutes
That’s outstanding from Costelow, though. A raking punt from just inside his own half that pitches perfectly across the Suncorp Stadium surface. A 50:22; it’ll be a Welsh throw.
Oh dear - Tshiunza is still struggling, and making his way off. Tommy Reffell replaces him, with Taine Plumtree presumably shifting across to six.
Reds 14-24 Wales, 43 minutes
Tshiunza, tankfully, seems ok, joining the rest of the Welsh forwards in the lineout after Sam Costelow punts them down into the Reds 22.
Costelow swaps the seven iron for a lob wedge as he tries to exploit space beyond the advancing defensive line with a chip. Mac Grealy spins sharply on his heels to claim a mark before the chasers can get to it.
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