How the nationals rated Tommy Reffell's Wales Test debut against South Africa

Leicester Tigers flanker Tommy Reffell became the 1,178th man to represent Wales at Test level rugby as he made his debut against South Africa.

Fresh from helping his club to win the Gallagher Premiership, the 23-year-old was thrust into the starting line-up for the first of three clashes with the World Champions this summer.

Reffell went the distance in a thrilling encounter at Loftus Versfeld as the Springboks, who had fellow Tiger Jasper Wiese in their starting line-up, claimed a 32-29 victory with the last kick of the game.

Post-match, plenty of focus was placed on Reffell for his senior international debut, as he made 15 tackles and produced some trademark breakdown work against the best in the business.

Here's how some of the national publications rated Reffell out of ten and what they had to say about his performance...

An excellent effort on debut, tackling his heart out and achieving two turnovers, one a perfectly executed job that saw him swoop with speed and expert technique. Then brought down de Jager in full flight. Didn’t stop working. Read the full story here.

Wales Online readers gave Reffell an average score of

Another whose debut was delayed because of where he played, eclipsed his opposite man (Franco Mostert).

“Tommy Turnover” had an excellent start in a red shirt. With a handful of dominant tackles, some hefty carries and a textbook jackal, Reffell looks like he is here to stay.

Great debut that included a trademark turnover.

Heck of a debut from the Leicester flanker which was long overdue after his performances in the Premiership. Came up with one great turnover penalty and weighed in with 15 tackles.

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