Semi-finalists decided after torrential rain disrupts final round of pool matches

The U20s World Championship semi-finalists have been decided after a chaotic end to the group stages yesterday, in which one match was called off at halftime, and another cancelled altogether.

Ireland were set to play Australia at Athlone Sports Stadium in a match that would decide the winners of Pool B, but due to the seriously severe weather conditions, the match was cancelled over safety concerns. Both sides were awarded two points each as a result, with Ireland taking top spot and ensuring their place in the semi-finals.

World Rugby released a statement later that afternoon to confirm that the later matches would not be cancelled, as “The pitch has been sufficiently drained to allow rugby to resume in safe conditions.”

This allowed both France and England to take victory over Wales and South Africa, respectively, as they both booked places in the semi-finals alongside New Zealand.

This chase and try-saving tackle 🤯#WorldRugbyU20s | #GEOvITA pic.twitter.com/MFHmTtYpOb

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 9, 2024

The junior All Blacks also incidentally had their match against Spain called off at halftime due to a waterlogged pitch at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch. Leading comprehensively at half-time, the result stood.

Powering over to level things up in Cape Town! 💪@EnglandRugby are back in the flight! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#WorldRugbyU20s | #RSAvENG pic.twitter.com/ctF5G0REIT

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 9, 2024

Full results:

POOL A: FRANCE 29-11 WALES

POOL A: NEW ZEALAND 45-13 SPAIN

POOL B: GEORGIA 28-17 ITALY

POOL C: ARGENTINA 52-12 FIJI

POOL C: SOUTH AFRICA 12-17 ENGLAND

For full match reports, please click here:

http://U20s World Championship Round 3 – Match Reports

And then there were four 👏

Tune into RugbyPass TV this weekend to see who will make it to the #WorldRugbyU20s final 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rRP7t6MyN4

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) July 9, 2024