FIGHTER TOM STEPS OUT OF THE SHADOWS

WALES wing Tom Rogers stepped out of the shadows to become the first British and Irish player to score a Test hat-trick against New Zealand and put it down to his “fighter” qualities.

- PHIL BLANCHE Press Association Reporter [e-mail]

Rogers enshrined his name in rugby history with an unforgettable treble as Wales suffered a 52-26 Autumn Nations Series defeat in Cardiff.

The 26-year-old’s heroics came after Wales boss Steve Tandy had dropped him from the side that had beaten Japan the previous weekend.

“I've always been a fighter and I wanted to prove to Tandy that I deserved a spot in the team,” said Rogers, who lasted only 45 minutes of the autumn opener against Argentina before being replaced by Louis Rees-Zammit.

“It was class and I’m really chuffed. It hasn't really sunk in because as a kid it's your dream to play for Wales against the All Blacks.