Ireland qualify for Junior World Cup semi-final after match against Australia is called off due to weather

Ireland U20 coach Willie Faloon. Photo: Sportsfile

The Ireland U-20s have qualified for Sunday’s Junior World Cup semi-final after they were awarded two match points following the cancellation of this afternoon’s final pool game against Australia.

Pool leaders Ireland were due to take second place Australia at the Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town at 1.0 today, however, torrential rain in South Africa resulted in a waterlogged pitch.

Despite attempts made by the ground staff to clear the pitch, the decision was made to cancel the game on safety grounds, and given the condensed nature of the tournament, the match will not be replayed at a later date.

World Rugby has confirmed that both teams will each receive two match points, which is enough to secure Ireland’s passage to this weekend’s semi-final.

Willie Faloon’s youngsters had won both of their previous two pool games and held a three-point lead over Australia, who could have overtaken them. But Ireland can now look…