Queensland Reds v Wales LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as Warren Gatland’s side snatch dramatic win

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:

Queensland Reds v Wales

• FT: Reds 35-36 Wales: Kieran Hardy try snatches dramatic victory for tourists

• TRY! REDS 35-31 Wales (Mac Grealy, 71 minutes)

• TRY! REDS 21-31 Wales (Richie Asiata, 53 minutes)

• TRY! Reds 14-31 WALES (Nick Tompkins, 46 minutes)

• HALF TIME: Reds 14-24 Wales

• TRY! REDS 14-19 Wales (Richie Asiata, 28 minutes)

• TRY! Reds 7-19 WALES (Rio Dyer, 22 minutes)

• TRY! Reds 7-12 WALES (Regan Grace, 19 minutes)

• TRY! REDS 7-5 Wales (Richie Asiata, 14 minutes)

• TRY! Reds 0-5 WALES (Archie Griffin, 4 minutes)

• KICK OFF! Wales face Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wales end losing run with dramatic tour win over Queensland Reds

13:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

Reds captain Jock Campbell also has a post-match natter with the host broadcaster

13:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“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

12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“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

12:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

FULL TIME: Reds 35-36 Wales

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Reds 35-36 Wales, 81 minutes

12:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

TRY! REDS 35-31 Wales (Mac Grealy, 71 minutes)

12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A sensational score and the Reds lead Wales!

Magnificent! What a try this is, the Reds going from coast to coast with serious style. Give a healthy portion of the credit to tighthead prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen, still trucking after 70 minutes and producing an audacious one-handed dummy to sell a Welsh defender down the Brisbane river.

He eventually releases the pass to free Mac Grealy, who dashes in. Remarkable!

Reds 28-31 Wales, 70 minutes

12:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Reds play from inside their own 22, James O’Connor fizzing a miss ball across and Lachie Anderson going haring away. Regan Grace shows a good turn of speed to get back to the replacement.

Through the middle! Seru Uru finds space close to the ruck and off they go!

Reds 28-31 Wales, 68 minutes

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland looks a little glum up in the coaches’ box, his side ahead but having just squandered an opportunity to perhaps kill the game off. This unheralded, young Reds side are really feeling it now, sensing the chance to pull off a famous win.

Reds 28-31 Wales, 66 minutes

12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will only be a penalty, Blake’s challenge clumsy rather than dangerous as Mackenzie Martin was thrown up in the air. Wales once more plough the corner, the backs piling in to the mass of bodies...

But the Reds hold strong! Staunch defence from the home side, John Bryant eventually getting through on to the ball and ensuring that Gareth Davies can’t extricate it.

Reds 28-31 Wales, 65 minutes

12:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A dangerous tackle grants Wales another penalty advantage, new man Blake picked out. Rio Dyer injects some impetus roaming off his right wing.

The Welsh attack loses steam out on the right touchline. Back for the penalty.

Reds 28-31 Wales, 64 minutes

12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Reds hold firm but only having infringed twice. Gareth Davies wonders if the second of them was cynical and thus merits a card, but Damon Murphy sends him away.

Costelow pokes it into the opposite corner as George Blake replaces hat-trick scorer Richie Asiata.

Reds 28-31 Wales, 62 minutes

12:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ah, a coach killer. The Reds claim the restart but only due to a needless obstructing shove on a Welsh chaser. A penalty to Wales, which Sam Costelow will thump into the corner.

It looked like Tim Ryan was the guilty party. Naive.

TRY! REDS 28-31 Wales (Mac Grealy, 61 minutes)

12:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And over goes Mac Grealy!

The Reds have found their flow! There’s a suspicion of a forward pass from Tim Ryan to Grealy but the officials are content, the centre releasing a sharp infield offload having wriggled his right arm free in contact.

Can James O’Connor convert from right of centre? He can! The Reds are within three!

Reds 21-31 Wales, 60 minutes

12:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Reds reload from 20 yards further back, Seru Uru deivering some momentum with a crunching carry. Jeff Toomaga-Allen swats a pair of Welshmen away with a big bear paw.

Reds 21-31 Wales, 58 minutes

12:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Neat midfield interplay from the Reds, James O’Connor picking his moment to send Jock Campbell into space. But that’s a vital intervention from Regan Grace, nipping in a couple of phases later to pick off O’Connor’s floated pass with Dre Pakeho left disappointed.

Reds 21-31 Wales, 57 minutes

12:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

12:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

12:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

12:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Reds 14-24 Wales, 43 minutes

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A penalty to Wales as they pinch possession in the Reds half. That’s not good, though - Christ Tshiunza is down in discomfort having been bent back in a double tackle.

Reds 14-24 Wales, 41 minutes

11:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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...

11:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

HALF TIME: Reds 14-24 Wales

11:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

TRY! Reds 14-24 WALES (Christ Tshiunza, 40 minutes)

11:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Reds 14-19 Wales, 31 minutes

11:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scrum allows everyone to draw breath after a hectic half-hour. The Reds get on top at the set piece, Kemsley Mathias hitting the deck under pressure from Jeff Toomaga-Allen, who rises with a smile.

TRY! REDS 14-19 Wales (Richie Asiata, 28 minutes)

11:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

11:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

11:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

11:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

Reds 0-5 Wales, 9 minutes

11:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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)

11:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

KICK OFF!

10:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

We are up and running in Brisbane!

Queensland Reds vs Wales

10:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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

10:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

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.

LATE TEAM NEWS

10:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

In fact, scratch all of that - Cory Hill is RULED OUT. Gareth Davies captains the side from scrum half, Dafydd Jenkins is promoted to start in the second row and hooker Dewi Lake comes on to the bench to cover flanker.

Queensland Reds vs Australia

10:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is rather odd that Cory Hill has ended up as Wales captain for this fixture. Warren Gatland has spoken so much about wanting to develop his young group of leaders, but with the opportunity to look at a new face as skipper in a lower stakes encounter has instead turned to a 32-year-old lock playing third-tier rugby in Japan and thus not available for portions of the international seasons. And that’s before even mentioning the 2021 incident for which Hill apologised this week.

Hill isn’t even that high in the second row pecking order! When fully fit, you’d suggest that Adam Beard, Dafydd Jenkins, Will Rowlands and Christ Tshiunza would all be ahead of him, while Ben Carter has upside that Hill lacks at this stage of his career. A bit of a baffler, really, and a decision that has attracted significant criticism.

Queensland Reds vs Wales: Meet the Junkyard Dog

10:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Among the new names to know in this Reds side is that of Tim Ryan, who has surged into contention for an international call-up after a remarkable breakthrough season in Super Rugby Pacific. Nine tries in five games in April and May included two hat-tricks, with the sinewy, speedy wing showing off serious finishing prowess. Dubbed the “Junkyard Dog” in the ever sobriquet-favouring land of Australian sport, Ryan is stationed in the centres tonight, which could be all sorts of fun.

Queensland Reds vs Wales

10:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a third start in three fixtures on tour for tighthead prop Archie Griffin, who impressed in the loose particularly against Australia. It’s clear that Warren Gatland is seeking long-term options on both sides of the front row, and Griffin seems to have nudged ahead in the pecking order on the right side.

The problem that the Wales coach has is that Griffin is unlikely to feature regularly at club level for the foreseeable future. The 22-year-old is trapped behind Thomas du Toit and Will Stuart at Bath and could well come under pressure from rising star Billy Sela, who England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) are keen to fast-track the development of after helping England forge a dominant scrum at Under 20 level this year. A loan move across the border might be an option, but that may block others coming through at the Welsh regions.

It makes this a useful fixture for Gatland to again assess Griffin’s qualities.

Queensland Reds vs Wales

09:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A young James O’Connor was of course part of the Lions’ last Australian excursion, the gifted playmaker starting all three Tests in one of the high points of his up-and-down career. Now 34, it may be that international rugby is finally in the rear view mirror after a long and winding route in and out of Wallabies contention, but the fly half is a valuable figure for a fixture like this in a side otherwise light on international experience.

“I can speak for everyone in the squad when I say this is an awesome opportunity for the Reds and the players involved,” O’Connor said ahead of this encounter.

“We are playing a quality national team in what is pretty much a Test match situation.

“I haven’t played a much footy this season so I’m really looking forward to this game against a country I’ve enjoyed playing against in the past.”

British & Irish Lions 2025: Predicting the squad to tour Australia

09:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With less than a year to go until the British & Irish Lions start their series on Australian soil, and with a busy period of Test action just concluded, it’s an opportune moment to start assessing the names in the frame for squad selection. Who might Andy Farrell be considering?

British & Irish Lions 2025: Predicting the squad to tour Australia

Wales train ahead of Reds match in Brisbane

09:20 , Jack Rathborn

Warren Gatland on Regan Grace making Wales debut

09:05 , Jack Rathborn

Warren Gatland is relishing seeing the "sharp" and "explosive" Regan Grace make his Wales bow in Friday's Australia tour finale against Queensland Reds.

But the Wales head coach is putting no pressure on former St Helens rugby league star Grace, who has only played two games of union since switching codes.

Grace scored 89 tries for St Helens during a league career that saw him feature in three Grand Final-winning teams. He switched codes in 2022 but ruptured his Achilles tendon ahead of joining French Top 14 club Racing 92 and he did not play for them at all after suffering an injury relapse six months later.

"We had a big discussion last week about whether we threw him in at the deep end in terms of a Test match," Gatland said. "But we felt just a little bit more time in the environment would be good.

"He has been recovering from a pretty horrendous Achilles injury that he had - and then redid again. He has taken time in terms of his rehab and making sure he has done everything right.

"He is sharp, he is explosive and we've got to try and make sure we get the ball in his hands as much as we can, but not have too many high expectations. He has not played a lot of rugby since coming from league. There will be no pressure on him from my part. Just enjoy it and see what he can do."

Cory Hill apologises for past ‘mistake’ as Wales appoint lock as captain for Queensland Reds clash

08:50 , Jack Rathborn

Wales lock Cory Hill has said he regrets an incident that happened three years ago and has apologised for it publicly as he prepares to captain his country.

The 32-year-old, who will lead Wales against Queensland Reds on Friday, was named among a group of individuals that damaged a woman’s house in May 2021.

Hill was not charged by police and he apologised at the time through a representative for the incident.

His appearance as a replacement in the first Test against Australia on July 6 ended more than three years out of international rugby and now he has been chosen to skipper his country by Wales head coach Warren Gatland.

Cory Hill apologises for past ‘mistake’ as Wales appoint lock as captain

Warren Gatland details key Wales lesson after ‘frustrating’ Australia defeat

08:35 , Jack Rathborn

Warren Gatland accepts that Wales must “learn some tough lessons” after suffering a ninth successive Test match defeat.

But Wales boss Gatland insists the future is bright for his team on a long road to the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

The Wallabies’ 36-28 victory in Melbourne secured a 2-0 series win and means that Wales have still not won a Test match since last year’s World Cup.

Warren Gatland details key Wales lesson after ‘frustrating’ Australia defeat

Warren Gatland on Wales’ growth despite losing streak

08:20 , Jack Rathborn

Gatland said: "I have been pleased with the growth we've seen in the squad over the last three or four weeks, and that growth will continue.

"We are expecting a good challenge from the Reds and know they will be up for this fixture.

"I am looking to see us stay in the moment and keep scanning for opportunities, as well as being alert to threats. Little efforts will make the difference."

Wales ‘desperate’ for win over Reds, says attack coach Alex King

08:05 , Jack Rathborn

Wales attack coach Alex King says his side are "desperately hoping" to end their Australia tour on a high against Queensland Reds on Friday.

King said: "We are desperately hoping for a good performance firstly and then obviously finishing with a good result, finish off what's been a monumental year for all the lads.

"It started in June 2023 and it's gone through a World Cup, Six Nations, loads of changes, and we want to end the tour on a real high.

"Two big training days to get things right and really looking forward to the challenge on Friday."

Queensland Reds v Wales team news and line-ups

Thursday 18 July 2024 20:52 , Jack Rathborn

Team news

The big team news for Queensland Reds is the new additions of former Australia prop Matt Gibbon and outside back Lachie Anderson. Both are in the squad for the Wales clash, although neither start. Queensland Reds also confirmed the return of fullback Jock Campbell on Sunday and he captains the side.

Wales, meanwhile, have handed out opportunities to some fringe players after a disappointing tour so far. Wing Regan Grace has been given a chance to impress in Brisbane, while centre Eddie James, scrum-half Gareth Davies and lock Matthew Screech all feature.

Line-ups

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell (captain), 14 Floyd Aubrey, 13 Tim Ryan, 12 Dre Pakeho, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Louis Werchon, 8 Joe Brial, 7 John Bryant, 6 Seru Uru, 5 Ryan Smith, 4 Connor Vest, 3 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 2 Richie Asiata, 1 Sef Fa’agase.

Replacements: 16 George Blake, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Connor Anderson, 21 Will Cartwright, 22 Mason Gordon, 23 Lachie Anderson.

Wales: 15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Rio Dyer, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Eddie James, 11 Regan Grace, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Mackenzie Martin, 7 Taine Plumtree, 6 Christ Tshiunza, 5 Cory Hill (captain), 4 Matthew Screech, 3 Archie Griffin, 2 Evan Lloyd, 1 Kemsley Mathias.

Replacements: 16 Efan Daniel, 17 Corey Domachowski, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Dafydd Jenkins, 20 Tommy Reffell, 21 Kieran Hardy, 22 Ben Thomas, 23 Mason Grady.