WALES lost again but restored some pride during a 27-20 defeat to New South Wales in their rugby union tour game in Sydney yesterday.

Thrashed 69-30 by Australian Capital Territory in Canberra last"

Sunday, Wales looked set for another sizeable defeat when the second-string Waratahs worked their way to a 17-3 lead after 46 minutes.

But Wales, with Neath number eight Steve Williams, Llanelli centre Nigel Davis and Bristol fly-half Arwel Thomas standing out, kept NSW working until the end.

Both sides scored two tries, but first half-indiscipline, when they continually encroached offside, cost Wales dear with NSW fly-half Tim Wallace kicking five penalty goals and a conversion to finish with 17 points.

The Welsh had some lively moments, with Davis handling twice in a flowing move that finished with him taking the final pass from Ieuan Evans to score under the posts in the 51st minute.

Evans, the 61-cap veteran, scored the tourists' second try when he steamed through after a deft kick from Thomas 16 minutes from the end.

Wales lost three players with injuries during the encounter before 18,565 fans. Llanelli flanker Gwyn Jones, Cardiff flanker Emyr Lewis (shoulder) and Cardiff loosehead prop Andrew Lewis all came off during the second half.

Gareth Llewellyn, Welsh captain on the night, promised his side would go on fighting during Saturday's test with Australia.

"We have to live with it as long as we can and if we die, we die.,.. we'Il just give it everything we've got."