Hardy on hand to grab last-gasp win
The Rugby Paper|July 21, 2024
WITH 80 seconds left of the clock, replacement Kieran Hardy touched down to end Wales’ run of nine consecutive defeats.
ROGER PANTING
Hardy on hand to grab last-gasp win

It brought a huge sigh of relief to Welsh followers as their side looked set to extend their miserable run after a resurgent Reds had staged an astonishing comeback to turn around a 31-14 deficit.

Wales tour captain Dewi Lake said: “We’ve been struggling to get over the line and get the win and the Reds played out of their skin tonight with their driving maul a massive threat. One thing we’ve been good at across the tour is staying in the game and working hard, that proved to be the case tonight.”

Neither side deserved to lose an enthralling contest of 11 tries with a number of Welsh players pushing their case for future selection. None more so than powerful young Cardiff No.8 Mackenzie Martin, whose ball-carrying added an extra dimension.

In addition, Scarlets’ half-backs Sam Costelow and Gareth Davies flourished in an open game while a sharp Rio Dyer had his best game in a Welsh shirt for some time.

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