Prydie sparkles as Wales fall just short

TEENAGER Tom Prydie, pictured, was able to reflect on "an amazing feeling" after scoring his first try for Wales on Saturday.

The Ospreys wing became Wales' youngest ever international player at 18 years and 25 days when he made his Test debut against Italy during this season's RBS Six Nations Championship.

And he backed up that encouraging introduction to the international arena with another mature display that belied his tender years.

World champions South Africa were the infinitely tougher opponents this time around, but Prydie made his presence felt by sparking a late Wales fightback and delivering an impressive all-round performance.

"You always look forward to getting your first try – it was an amazing feeling," he said. "It was a tough game with a lot of running, and fitness was a big part of the game."

Wales' 34-31 defeat at the Millennium Stadium left Prydie as frustrated as everyone else in the home camp. "We were so close, yet we chucked it way," he said.

Prydie is part of a 27-man Wales squad which heads for New Zealand this week.