The IRB Junior World Championship, for Under 20 teams representing the top rugby nations, is currently taking place in Argentina. After many requests, today RD has highlights of some of the best games from the last day of pool action.
Well start with the great match between hosts Argentina and Ireland, where the young Los Pumitas beat the Under 20 Six Nations champions 24-21 in Rosario. They had hoped to reach the Semi Finals on home soil but losses to both England and France meant that was unfortunately not possible.
By beating Ireland though, they have ensured their place in next years Junior World Championship in Italy. They are also guaranteed a finish of between fifth and eighth on the standings, while Ireland will need to win one of their remaining matches to avoid relegation to the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy for 2011.
In the other featured game, England overcame traditional rivals France 17-9 to go top of Pool C in their match. Freddie Burns proved a valuable asset once again as he kicked his kicks to add to the only try, scored by Jamie Gibson.
The playing conditions werent ideal so this was perhaps the least enjoyable match to watch of the round, but a hard fought win means that England will face Australia in the semi finals.
“Tough game, very tough. The first 50, 60 minutes was a real battle by two teams that looked quite nervous. At times we combated the French drive and their pick and go round the fringes well and I think to restrict a good French side to two penalties was a good return,” said England coach Mark Mapletoft.
England will play Australia in the first semi final in Rosario on Thursday. Below are highlights of both games discussed. Highlights of two of the other best games will be posted shortly.
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