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:
TRY! REDS 14-19 Wales (Richie Asiata, 28 minutes)
Another mauling brings joy for the Reds!
Wales just have no way of combatting the might of the hosts’ drive! Jeffery Toomaga-Allen’s sizeable frame does the damage at the front, again allowing hooker Richie Asiata an armchair ride to narrow the gap. James O’Connor pops through the extra two.
YELLOW CARD! Evan Lloyd is sent to the sin bin! Reds 7-19 Wales, 26 minutes
Here come the Reds again, though, Dre Pakeho scooting up the right with Tim Ryan in his side car. And when Evan Lloyd infringes close to his own line, Damon Murphy loses patience - the hooker pays for his side’s ill-disciplibne and is dispatched to the sin bin.
NO TRY! Reds 7-19 Wales, 25 minutes
The Reds find an answer...or do they?!?
James O’Connor appears to have crashed over but has the fly half kept control of the ball? He hasn’t! Knocked on!
A let-off for Wales, O’Connor at the heart of everything for the Reds, making an initial half-break and then seemingly finishing the score off. But there was a little juggle as he collected Louis Wechon’s sharp pass, and Rio Dyer’s tackle just dislodged the ball out of a loose handle from the veteran playmaker. He sends the tee away with a frustrated slap of his hands as the officials review the footage, the knock-on clear to see.
TRY! Reds 7-19 WALES (Rio Dyer, 22 minutes)
Two tries in a matter of minutes!
A high hoist causes havoc in the Reds backfield, the ball bouncing and bobbling away from home hands. Mackenzie Martin is there to sweep up the debris, thundering on up the right touchline to breach the defence.
The Reds never really re-gather themselves, and Sam Costelow has the smarts and skills to make the most of the space left vacant, dropping ball to boot and lifting a well-judged cross kick. Rio Dyer is on the end of it as the wing goes from provider to scorer.
TRY! Reds 7-12 WALES (Regan Grace, 19 minutes)
A try on Wales debut for Regan Grace!
He’s an arch finisher! A first “proper” game of rugby union for the cross-code star and over he scurries in the left corner, the beneficiary of some excellent hands from his backline chums. Rio Dyer loops to provide extra linking fingers, creating an overlap which Grace is plenty speedy enough to pounce upon.
Reds 7-5 Wales, 18 minutes
Wales go to work again in attack, Sam Costelow sending his carriers forth but little appearing in front of him.
That looks more promising out on the left, though!
TRY! REDS 7-5 Wales (Richie Asiata, 14 minutes)
The Reds hit back!
Patient and precise from the home side! Wales do a good job of denying them on their initial surge, but Richie Asiata bides his time, enjoying the view from the chariot and waiting for it to make progress again. The traffic clears in front of the hooker as his teammates do his job.
James O’Connor converts to put the Queenslanders in front.
Reds 0-5 Wales, 12 minutes
The maul is stalled so away the Reds sweep to the right. Jock Campbell gets a fend in but can’t quite force a pass with Floyd Aubrey again waiting, Regan Grace making an excellent tackle.
Wales are pinged once more, though. Damon Murphy calls Gareth Davies over for a chat and a warning.
Reds 0-5 Wales, 11 minutes
An awkward tumble for Taine Plumtree, thrown across the Reds lineout and coming crashing down on their attempt to form a maul. A penalty against Wales with pressure beginning to build.
Reds 0-5 Wales, 10 minutes
Back-to-back penalties against Wales and the Reds play with freedom under advantage. Jock Campbell hits the line at speed as James O’Connor flicks to his charging full-back, but Campbell’s offload to Floyd Aubrey is fumbled into touch.
Back for the second of those penalties. O’Connor tonks it to the corner.
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