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 0-5 Wales, 9 minutes
Reds hands get to Evan Lloyd’s lineout throw, but Wales are soon back in possession, pilfering on the floor to prevent the Reds finding flow. A couple of home players shoot questioning looks at Damon Murphy, but the referee is happy with the legality of the Welsh work to win it.
Reds 0-5 Wales, 7 minutes
Reds wing Mac Grealy gets up smartly to take a hanging Gareth Davies box kick with the hosts working through some phases for the first time in the match. Wales stand up well defensively, though, and force James O’Connor to go to the air, his up-and-under allowed to hit the deck and watched into touch by Regan Grace and co.
TRY! Reds 0-5 WALES (Archie Griffin try, 4 minutes)
Archie Griffin biffs over!
A fast start from Wales! Excellent continuity and decent punch in their carries, the forwards darting around the corner to provide lumbering hands. Tighthead Griffin, born in Sydney, has Dafydd Jenkins for company as he picks and drives from a metre or so out, and over he goes.
Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes
Evan Lloyd hits his jumper but Wales can’t make much progress at the maul. Out into the backline, Eddie James carrying well.
Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes
The officials work through the footage, deciding the tackle is high but no further sanction is necessary. Sam Costelow finds the left corner.
Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales, 3 minutes
A knock on on the edge of the Reds 22 will give the hosts a first scrum feed...or not - the TMO has called down to the referee and wants to have a look at a tackle on Eddie James.
Queensland Reds vs Wales
So late disruption for Wales, then, and an unexpected role for Gareth Davies, a decade into his international career and now ready to lead Wales out at Suncorp Stadium. Can he and Sam Costelow get this Welsh backline fizzing and firing?
Queensland Reds vs Wales
Kick-off is fast approaching in Brisbane. It’s nice to see Les Kiss going well back in Australia, the coach having done outstanding work with London Irish before his stint was brought to an abrupt end by the club’s folding. There are plenty of players missing today but Kiss really began to build something in Super Rugby Pacific this year, steering a young side to a fifth-placed regular season finish.
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