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 14-24 Wales, 41 minutes
Rio Dyer gives Floyd Aubrey a bump as the Reds wing hits the deck having risen to claim Gareth Davies’ box kick.
James O’Connor sends a couple of teammates off in poursuit of his own kick, but it’s slightly too deep, allowing Wales to claim in comfort.
An Archie Griffin pull-back towards Sam Costelow instead hits Christ Tshiunza, who does well to scramble and recover the situation.
Second half...
The Welsh players are back out there, a strong crowd bouncing about to the beat as the Reds re-emerge soon after.
Back underway in Brisbane.
HT: Reds 14-24 Walesh
A lively, up-tempo half betwen two young sides, as might have been expected. Wales will be pleased to be ten points ahead but their discipline has been short of standard, which has undermined a little their bright attacking play.
TRY! Reds 14-24 WALES (Christ Tshiunza, 40 minutes)
Wales pile on the power and over they go!
The Reds showed the value of patience with their two maul scores but this is all about an injection of real punch, Evan Lloyd hitting his man and not even having time to get his hands on to it at the back. Christ Tshiunza instead keeps control as he shepherds the flock safely home.
Reds 14-19 Wales, 38 minutes
A polite discussion between Jeff Toomaga-Allen as the referee, the Reds tighthead not agreeing with Damon Murphy’s assessment of a collapsed scrum. Wales’ penalty, and a prod to the corner...
Reds 14-19 Wales, 36 minutes
They cannot - loose from Louis Werchon, hooking a slightly aimless box kick out on the full.
Efan Daniel is on as cover for Evan Lloyd and hits his jumper in the middle with virtually his final act. Mac Grealy claims a mark and tries to tap and go quickly before Wales can return Lloyd to the park, but knocks on in his haste to get going as the visitors are restored to full complement.
Reds 14-19 Wales, 35 minutes
Wales play possession to run down the clock on Evan Lloyd’s yellow card, ticking below two minutes as Gareth Davies goes to the air. Can the Reds make the most of their man advantage in the time that remains?
Reds 14-19 Wales, 33 minutes
Frustration for the Reds as they fumble on the floor having begun to make some dents in a resolute Welsh defensive line. Concerningly for the tourists, Archie Griffin appeared dazed at one point in that passage - on come the medics to check him out.
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