Ireland lost the Six Nations title to England but this weekend’s rematch at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium (3.30pm Irish time) is expected to be another closely fought affair following a 32-32 draw between the two teams earlier this year.
Due to the cancellation of their match against the Junior Wallabies, Ireland could not finish higher than third seed, so New Zealand were seeded first, while England were seeded second after a last-minute loss to hosts South Africa. New Zealand will face defending champions France in the second semi-final.
Pool leaders Ireland were due to face second-placed Australia on 1.0 today at the Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, but torrential rain in South Africa has left the pitch waterlogged.
Despite attempts by ground staff to clear the pitch, the decision was taken to abandon the match for safety reasons and due to the shortened nature of the competition the match will not be replayed at a later date.
World Rugby released the following statement, confirming that both teams have been awarded two match points each, ensuring Ireland’s place in this weekend’s semi-final:
“Following heavy rainfall in the Cape Town area on Tuesday 9 July, the pitch at Athlone Stadium has been assessed in collaboration with organisers and match officials and has now been declared unsafe for the match to be held.
Today’s Sports News in 90 Seconds – July 9th
“As a result, the first match scheduled at this venue between Ireland U-20 and Australia U-20 has been cancelled and both teams have been awarded two points in accordance with the competition rules.
“The pitch will be re-assessed ahead of the venue’s remaining two World Rugby U-20 Championship matches and the matches will only go ahead if the weather improves and the pitch is sufficiently drained to allow rugby to be played in safe conditions.”
“New updates will be provided in the future.”
Willie Falloon’s young men had won their previous two pool games and held a three-point lead over Australia, who they were set to overtake, but Ireland have 11 points in Pool B and are set for a last-four showdown.
With the finals also due to be held in Cape Town, tournament organisers are hoping for more favourable weather conditions over the next few days.
Australia coach Nathan Gray said he was not happy with the decision. Rugby Pass“It’s very disappointing for the players, staff and everyone. The decision was out of our hands and we lost the opportunity to play Ireland and finish top of our pool.”
“This year’s Rugby Championship – against New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa and our two matches – was much worse but World Rugby appears to have moved to cancel the matches after strong lobbying from Irish doctors.
“Well, reality is reality, the decision is not in our hands and we just have to accept it.
“The players are exhausted. We had prepared very well for this match. [and] It’s been a great week of training. We trained two days ago in even worse conditions at False Bay and the players came into the game well prepared. So it’s just taken the opportunity out of their hands. I’m sure World Rugby is doing it for the right reasons. I hope that’s true.
“Let’s play the game, the conditions are good, the surface water isn’t too bad, it’s muddy and wet for sure, but it’s no worse than any conditions Ireland have played in before, and of course we have played in before.
“I think we were in better condition than we were against Italy, so it’s a bit confusing.”