Steff Evans dotted down twice as an under-the-weather Wales gritted their teeth and overcame Samoa in their final tour match this morning.
Scarlets man Evans had nudged Robin McBryde’s side ahead in Apia but they were then forced to come from behind to claim a 19-17 victory.
McBryde revealed post-match that a sickness bug had swept through his squad, already depleted by a full 16 players’ involvement in the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, before their Samoan showdown but the Wales coach was delighted to see his troops go to the trenches.
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“We’ve had a little bit of an illness in the camp and the players could have used that but they dug in so deep,” said McBryde.
“I’m just so pleased for the players. It’s been such a difficult tour in such a short space of time.
“We put ourselves in a very difficult position. We were 10-0 down early on and Samoa didn’t disappoint.
“We knew they would be physical and get stronger, and they did that.
“We didn’t help ourselves and hurt ourselves on a couple of occasions but the way the boys dug in and got through the arm wrestle was fantastic really.”
Samoa ran in two tries through Alapati Leiua and Manu Leiataua, and had carved out an early 10-0 lead but three Sam Davies penalties reduced the deficit to a single point before the break.
Then, after half-time, Wales cashed in on their momentum and punished Tusi Pisi’s missed drop goal attempt late in the first period as Aaron Shingler charged down a clearance kick and allowed Ellis Jenkins, Ryan Elias and Dillon Lewis to combine and tee up Evans for a simple finish.
However, Samoa put themselves on course for victory as hooker Leiataua crashed over, with Pisi adding the extras.
But, with six minutes remaining, Evans rose to the occasion and crossed the line in the corner to settle matters in the tourists’ favour.
