Summary

  • Wales' Australia tour - and their difficult 2023-24 season - ends with victory in uncapped fixture against Reds after 2-0 Test series defeat to Wallabies

  • Captain Cory Hill a late withdrawal from Wales side for "personal reasons", with Gareth Davies taking over as skipper

  • Only Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer, Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree survive from the starting side in second Test last weekend

  • Wales had not won since uncapped game against Barbarians in November 2023

  • Warren Gatland's side have lost last nine Tests

  • Reds finished fifth in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific table with eight wins and six defeats

  • Archie Griffin, debutant Regan Grace, Rio Dyer, Christ Tshiunza and Nick Tompkins score tries for Wales before Kieran Hardy claims decisive try late on

  • Hooker Richie Asiata scores hat-trick for hosts with Mac Grealy crossing twice

  1. Postpublished at 10 mins

    Queensland Reds 0-5 Wales

    Wales lose an early line-out but have been impressive in defence so far.

    They are comfortable against the Reds attack currently.

  2. 'Standout Griffin'published at 8 mins

    Queensland Reds 0-5 Wales

    Andrew Richards
    BBC Sport Wales in Brisbane

    It was initially good maul defence from the Reds following the Wales line-out, but the visitors eventually power over through Archie Griffin, who took the ball from the base of the ruck.

    That's a well-deserved try from a player who's been one of Wales' standouts this summer.

  3. try

    Try: Queensland Reds 0-5 Walespublished at 6 mins

    Archie Griffin

    Wales are patient in their build-up and it is prop Archie Griffin who powers over.

    Sam Costelow hits the post with his conversion, so the lead stays at five points.

    Archie Griffin scores a tryImage source, Getty Images
  4. Postpublished at 4 mins

    Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales

    The TMO is looking at a tackle from Queensland Reds centre Tim Ryan on Eddie James.

    The decision is a penalty only, and Wales opt to kick to the corner.

  5. Postpublished at 3 mins

    Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales

    Wales' first break comes from flanker Taine Plumtree but Matthew Screech knocks possession on and we have our first scrum.

  6. Postpublished at 2 mins

    Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales

    New Wales captain Gareth Davies gives away an early penalty by tackling a player in the air.

    It gives Queensland Reds an early attacking chance but Wales force a penalty through number eight Mackenzie Marin.

  7. Kick-offpublished at 1 min

    Queensland Reds 0-0 Wales

    Wales are playing in black with the Queensland Reds in their traditional maroon home strip.

    The match ball was brought out by Australia World Cup 1999 winning captain John Eales.

    Wales fly-half Sam Costelow kicks off and we are under way.

    The pre-match ceremony takes placeImage source, Getty Images
  8. Wales look for ray of hope in Australia's 'Sunshine State'published at 10:57 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    It is unusual for a summer tour to finish with a friendly against a state side following a two-Test series.

    England and Ireland, for instance, have travelled home after their exploits in New Zealand and South Africa.

    So people might wonder why Wales' players are in action for an extra week following a long season, which started 13 months ago for some.

    Wales had been hoping to arrange an extra international but that did not transpire, with this match arranged instead.

    It will be the first time Queensland Reds have hosted Wales since their 35-24 victory in 1991, while it is 20 years since the Super Rugby outfit defeated Scotland.

    Warren Gatland has welcomed the fixture as he tries to continue to expose his young side to new experiences.

    Read more: Wales look for ray of hope in Australia's 'Sunshine State'

    Sam Costelow practices kicks during trainingImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
  9. Reds look to heap misery on troubled Walespublished at 10:57 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    The Suncorp StadiumImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
    Image caption,

    This morning's match takes place at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane

    Queensland Reds are targeting a what head coach Les Kiss feels would be "fantastic" upset against Wales this morning.

    Wales have already been beaten 2-0 by Australia in the Test series, stretching their miserable run to nine straight international defeats.

    That painful sequence has seen Warren Gatland's side slip to 11th in the world rankings.

    "If we could get a win against an international side, that would be fantastic for us," said Reds boss Kiss.

    "They have a good team and we are going to have to be at our best to compete.

    "Talking with Warren [Gatland] this week, they are desperate for a win, so it will be a good match."

    Read more: Reds look to heap misery on troubled Wales

  10. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:56 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    It may be early, but it is time to get your predictions in.

    Thumbs up for a Queensland Reds win, thumbs down if you think Wales will finally deliver a victory.

    Or get in touch on social media using #bbcrugby.

  11. A taste of the 'Green, Green Grass of Home'published at 10:55 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55)

    Andrew Richards
    BBC Sport Wales in Brisbane

    As part of the pre-match festivities we have just been treated (if that's the right word) to a performance by 'Queensland's best Tom Jones impersonator'.

    We heard him rehearsing a few hours ago and his setlist included 'It's Not Unusual', 'What's New Pussycat?' and 'Green, Green Grass of Home'.

    And I'm delighted to say he'll be back out at half-time with a few more from the back catalogue.

  12. Unpredictable kick-offpublished at 10:54 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    It seems kick-off times in Australia - during this tour at least - are more of a rough guide than a strict rule.

    Both of Wales' Tests against the Wallabies started at least five minutes later than scheduled.

    It remains to be seen if that is the case again today, but it wouldn't come as a huge surprise if the game, which is scheduled for 10:55 BST, still hasn't started come 11:00 BST.

  13. The summer tour of Australia... so farpublished at 10:52 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Wales' summer tour is almost complete, and they will be hoping to travel back home with at least one win under their belt.

    As we have mentioned, there were two defeats from two against the Wallabies, the second of which was a thrilling Test match in Melbourne.

    Despite the excitement, both Tests proved too much for an inexperienced Wales squad.

    Game One: Australia 25-16 Wales - Australia begin Schmidt era with victory

    Game Two: Australia 36-28 Wales - Wallabies win thriller to clinch series

    A dejected Evan Lloyd of WalesImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
  14. Grace aims to crack codes after injury hellpublished at 10:50 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Regan Grace split pic at different teamsImage source, Getty Images and Huw Evans Picture Agency

    Regan Grace gets his chance despite the fact that he has played only two senior games of rugby union before today.

    Grace's team-mates and coaches describe him as "a good, humble and quiet lad" and an "X-factor player" who has something you "cannot coach".

    The 27-year-old from Port Talbot has demonstrated resilience by battling back from serious Achilles injuries. Now he has his overdue chance to shine.

    "I had seen highlights of him and he was a bit of a superstar at St Helens," said Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw.

    "The biggest challenge for a wing coming from rugby league is around the back field and breakdown.

    "In rugby league when the tackle is made the game stops, in rugby union when a tackle is made, the game starts. That is a big transition."

    Read more: Grace aims to crack codes with Wales after injury hell

  15. Grace an 'enigma'published at 10:48 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Ian Gough
    Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

    Regan Grace is a bit of an enigma at the moment. He's obviously really talented.

    I've seen rugby league guys coming across before, some of them make it, some of them don't, so it's a bit of a roll of a dice.

    But he has got talent so it will be interesting to watch him play.

  16. Grace and Wales' union stars in a league of their ownpublished at 10:47 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Iestyn Harris, Anthony Sullivan and Regan Grace all played rugby league for WalesImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
    Image caption,

    Iestyn Harris, Anthony Sullivan and Regan Grace all played rugby league for Wales

    Down under and crossed over – Regan Grace's codebreaking journey is almost complete.

    A Grand Final and Challenge Cup winner with St Helens, the Port Talbot-born wing certainly made his mark in league.

    But now, after a shock call-up for Wales’ touring party to Australia, Grace is set to join a union of just two others when he lines up for Wales this morning.

    And even though caps will not be awarded for this match, it does not alter the fact Grace will become just the third Welshman to go from league to playing union for Wales' national side.

    Only Iestyn Harris and Anthony Sullivan have previously made that journey, having both made their international union bows in the same game 23 years ago.

    Read more: Grace and Wales' union stars in a league of their own

  17. Gatland needs a winpublished at 10:46 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Ian Gough
    Former Wales international on BBC Radio Wales

    Any win you can get adds to confidence and the public confidence in [Warren] Gatland.

    He's had the public on his side, but the more you lose the more that gets tainted.

    Questions get asked: is he capable? Is he the person to take this team forward?

    So any win he can get now, especially to end this losing streak, is huge for him. And for the confidence of the players in the squad.

  18. More on Hill's late withdrawalpublished at 10:45 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Cory Hill in training for WalesImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

    Head coach Warren Gatland says captain Cory Hill has pulled out of today's match for "personal reasons".

    Gatland named Hill captain when the side for today's game was announced on Wednesday.

    It was a controversial decision because of an incident in 2021 when Hill was named among a group of individuals who damaged a woman's house.

    He was not charged by police but apologised at the time through a representative.

    At a press conference this week, Hill said he regretted the incident and apologised publicly, while Gatland explained why he thought the lock should be his captain for this game.

    Gatland had included Hill in his summer squad, despite the former Cardiff lock now playing his club rugby in the fourth tier of Japanese rugby.

    Read more: Hill pulls out of Wales game for 'personal reasons'

  19. Team news - Reds missing Wallabies internationalspublished at 10:43 British Summer Time 19 July

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Queensland Reds are without their Australia internationals, with the Wallabies playing Georgia in Sydney this weekend.

    However, they still have the likes of 64-cap James O'Connor at fly-half as one of 14 players with Super Rugby experience.

    Queensland Reds: Jock Campbell (capt); Floyd Aubrey, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Mac Grealy; James O'Connor, Louis Werchon; Sef Fa'agase, Richie Asiata, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Connor Vest, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, John Bryant, Joe Brial.

    Replacements: George Blake, Matt Gibbon, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Connor Anderson, Will Cartwright, Mason Gordon, Lachie Anderson.

    Queensland Red fly-half James O'ConnorImage source, Getty Images
  20. Team news - Captain Hill a late withdrawalpublished at 10:43 British Summer Time 19 July
    Breaking

    Queensland Reds v Wales (10:55 BST)

    Wales lock Cory HillImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

    As we mentioned, the breaking news from the Wales camp is that captain Cory Hill has withdrawn from today's game for "personal reasons".

    Gatland's decision to name Hill captain prompted a negative reaction on social media, as a result of an incident in 2021 in which Hill was named among a group of individuals who damaged a woman's house, though he was not charged by police.

    Hill has been replaced in the second row by Dafydd Jenkins, with scrum-half Gareth Davies taking over the captaincy for the uncapped match in Brisbane.

    Regan Grace makes his first appearance for the national rugby union side.

    The 27-year-old has already represented his country in rugby league, but has never started a competitive rugby union match - until now.

    Only Cameron Winnett, Rio Dyer, Archie Griffin, Christ Tshiunza and Taine Plumtree survive from the starting side in Melbourne last weekend.

    Dewi Lake fills the spot on the bench left by Jenkins' late call-up to the starting team.

    Wales: Cameron Winnett; Rio Dyer, Nick Tompkins, Eddie James, Regan Grace; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies (c); Kemsley Mathias, Evan Lloyd, Archie Griffin, Matthew Screech, Dafydd Jenkins, Christ Tshiunza, Taine Plumtree, Mackenzie Martin.

    Replacements: Efan Daniel, Dewi Lake, Corey Domachowski, Harri O'Connor, Tommy Reffell, Kieran Hardy, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady.