The Ireland U20s are in a strong position to reach the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20s Championship as they face Australia in their final pool stage game.
Willie Faloon's team are top of the pool as the only unbeaten team after their wins against Georgia and Italy. Australia on the other hand need a win if the are to have any chance of progressing to the final four.
Ireland on the other hand know that avoiding defeat will guarantee progression to the semis.
There's still lots to play for and it promises to be an exciting matchup, so here's everything you need to know ahead of the match.
When Is Ireland U20s Vs Australia?
Ireland U20s face Australia in their final pool stage match at the Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa and kick-off is at 1pm Irish Time.
How To Watch Ireland U20s Vs Australia?
The match isn't not going to be televised but you can catch a livestream of the match on Rugby Pass TV. It's free to watch and all you have to do is create an account.
Team News
Ireland come into this match on top of the group after their last ditch victory over Georgia last Thursday. Finn Treacy's 83rd minute try saved Ireland U20s from what would've been an upset and only Ireland's second defeat since the start of 2023.
Faloon has made 10 changes from that encounter against Georgia. Munster's Brian Gleeson will captain the side at 8 as Evan O'Connell is out with an injury.
Finn Treacy and Hugo McLoughlin return to the starting team on the wings as Wilhelm De Klerk starts his first game in the Championship at outside centre. Jack Murphy also returns at fly-half with Sean Naughton going back to the bench.
The front row is made up of Emmet Calver, Danny Sheahan and Patreece Bell with Billy Corrigan and Alan Spicer slotting into the second row. James McKillop moves to blindside flanker with Bryn Ward and Gleeson making up the back row.
The Ireland Men's U20s Match Day Squad to face Australia in Cape Town on Tuesday! 🟢#FutureIsGreen
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 7, 2024
Australia come into this match needing a win after suffering a defeat in a rain-soaked match against Italy last time out. The Junior Wallabies were ultimately unable to overturn the 14-0 lead Italy gained through the first 50 minutes of the match.
They've made two changes from that defeat with prop Nick Bloomfield coming in for Trevor King and Archie Saunders coming in on the wing for Angus Staniforth.
A #WorldRugbyU20s semi-final spot is on the line in our final pool game 😤
🆚 Ireland U20s
🗓️ Tuesday 9 July
🕓 10:00PM AEST
📺 RugbyPass TV pic.twitter.com/3582IX8NdK— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) July 7, 2024
