World Rugby U20 Championship round-up: Enlgand overcome Australia while New Zealand head home - Ruck

World Rugby U20 Championship round-up: Enlgand overcome Australia while New Zealand head home

The pool stages of the World Rugby U20 Championship were completed in Manchester this evening with the results setting up a clash between Ireland and Argentina in Monday’s semi-final.

England U20s clinched top seeding for the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20s Championship but had to do it the hard way, overcoming a resolute Australia side by 17-13.

A hard-fought 35-7 win over Georgia helped Ireland become second seeds for the knockout stage of the tournament. It’s the first time Ireland have won all three pool games and they will now regroup for Monday’s semi-final against Argentina.

Reigning champions New Zealand had given themselves a chance of taking the best runner-up spot in the final four after a last-gasp Jordie Barrett penalty edged them to a an 18-17 win over Wales this afternoon.

However, South Africa would send the Baby Blacks crashing out of the tournament before the semi-final stage for the first time with a thrilling 40-31 bonus point win over France in Pool C.

U20 Championship semi-finals, Monday 20 June
Ireland v Argentina (17.30)
England v South Africa (19.45)