A dazzling try by Mason Grady in the dying stages rescued an unlikely 18-14 victory against France in the final game of the U18 International Series at Hugenote High, in Wellington.
In a match that was played at a frenetic pace throughout, France had appeared to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat five minutes from the final whistle when tacklers fell off Enzo Lanzutti as the speedster dived over. Replacement Louis Boudette landed the conversion to put France 14-13 ahead.
Wales showed tenacity to work their way back upfield from the re-start and eventually manged to reclaim the ball. Patiently they waited for an opening before Grady received the ball wide out and he sauntered through the bemused French defence to score his second try of the match and earn Wales a deserved victory.
Fly half Thomas Mathews got Wales off to a perfect start with a short range penalty. Both teams threw the ball around in perfect playing conditions. Attack was followed by counter-attack and both teams stretching the opposition defence.
Eventually France scored the first try after their pack worked their way towards the Wales tryline and Wesley Lindor exploded from the back of a maul and stretched his long arms over. Scrum half Nolan Le Garrec’s conversion gave his side a 7-3 lead after 14 minutes.
But Wales continued to give the ball air with Grady and full back Daniel John in particular causing France huge problems with ball in hand. Grady used his pace and power to score out wide and with Mathews adding a conversion, Wales were good value for the 10-7 lead at the break.
Mathews edged Wales further ahead three minutes into the second half with his second penalty.
There was no let-up in the pace of the game but Wales were reduced to 14 men when Travis Huntley was sent to the sin bin
The Welsh defence held firm until Lanzutti burst clear to score but Grady’s try right on the stroke of full time ensure Chris Horsman’s side completed the U18 International Series on a winning note.
