Ireland U20s into World Championship semis after Australia match cancelled due to torrential rain

Ireland have advanced directly to the semi-finals of the World Rugby U-20 Championships in South Africa after their pool match against Australia was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.

Having beaten Italy and Georgia in their opening pool games, the Irish side had been due to take on the Junior Wallabies in their final Pool B match at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.

However, the impact of torrential rain on the pitch meant the game did not ultimately go ahead and World Rugby confirmed that it would count as a draw, both teams receiving two points.

That outcome ensures that Ireland finish top of the Pool and receive direct passage to the semi-finals.

Italy, who beat the Australians last Thursday, have the slim possibility of qualifying as the best second-place team if they can record a big win over Georgia later this afternoon.

"Due to heavy rainfall in the Cape Town region on Tuesday 9 July, the pitch at Athlone Stadium has been assessed in partnership with organisers and match officials and currently declared not safe to play," said World Rugby.

"As a result, the first match scheduled at this venue between Ireland U20 and Australia U20 has been cancelled and as per the tournament rules, both teams have been awarded two competition points."