Wales scores late to beat Springboks

WASHINGTON: A late try from prop Ryan Elias handed Wales a 2220 victory over South Africa in their international at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington DC yesterday.

Wales outscored the Springboks three tries to two, having led 143 at halftime in an errorstrewn contest that will have done little to boost the sport in the US market and was watched by a sparse crowd.

Hallam Amos and Tomos Williams scored tries in quick succession as Wales established the early dominance against a secondstring South Africa outfit, but wingers Travis Ismaiel and Makazole Mapimbi both went over after the break to level the score at 1717.

South Africa went 2017 ahead with six minutes left but some sloppy defending allowed Wales to score the late try and snatch victory.

A Uncapped loose forward Peter Samu will join the Australia rugby squad for the June series against Ireland on Sunday after being granted a release by New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

Australiaborn Samu, who will join the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby next season, is contracted to the Crusaders and also New Zealand’s Tasman provincial side.

Rugby Australia said it had reached an agreement with its New Zealand counterpart which will let the 26yearold complete the Super Rugby season with the Crusaders but then be released from his obligations with Tasman.

‘‘I want to thank New Zealand Rugby for their consideration in releasing Peter for international duties,’’ Rugby Australia chief Raelene Castle said.

‘‘Our discussions were robust but fair and I’m pleased we’ve reached an agreement to allow Peter the opportunity to represent his country.’’

Media reports had indicated NZR had demanded a fee of $50,000 to release Samu for the June international window. — RNZ/Reuters