The Ireland U20s are set for another heavyweight clash as they face off against Australia in their second game of the World Rugby U20s Championship. We have all the info on how to watch Ireland U20s v Australia right her.
When is Ireland U20s v Australia?
The Ireland U20s take on Australia at 10am (Irish Time) on Thursday 29th of June in the Paarl Gymnasium, South Africa.
How to watch Ireland U20s v Australia
Ireland U20s v Australia will be broadcast live on Virgin Media Two with coverage beginning at 9:30am ahead of kickoff at 10am.
Along with the Ireland U20s game at 10am, keen rugby fans will also be able to watch France v New Zealand at 12:30, South Africa v Italy at 15:00 and England v Fiji at 6pm all on Virgin Media Two.
Pure class from Fintan Gunne and Ruadhan Quinn 🔥
Ireland still trail 24-20 as Prendergast misses his fourth conversion 😬@PwCIreland #FutureIsGreenpic.twitter.com/Ij1vTaZseB— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) June 24, 2023
What's at stake?
This as a top-of-the-table clash with Australia leading Group B on five points while Ireland and England sit on three points. A win for Ireland would see them overtake Australia in the rankings while a bonus point win would ensure they would sit at least joint-top going into the final round.
READ ALSO: Ireland U20s Hang On For Draw Despite Late Red Card
Form Guide
Ireland come into this tournament as back-to-back Six Nations Grand Slam Champions after going two seasons without a competitive loss and while that record wasn't quite spoiled on Saturday, the Ireland U20s certainly didn't get off to the start they wanted.
Ireland started out the game well, weathering a strong English attack to start racking up their own scores, with Ireland leading 34-17 with just fifteen minutes to go. However, a mixture of indiscipline and a lapse in concentration cost the boys in green dearly. Ireland were on the receiving end of both a yellow and red card during the game and allowed England to crawl back into the game and claw a draw.
Australia faired better in their opening game, putting themselves top of group b with a hard-fought 46-37 win over Fiji. During the course of the game, the Wallabies scored an astonishing seven tries to earn a bonus point win for themselves. However, their discipline was lacking as well, with a red card the cost of their win.
Based on the results of this tournament, Australia are Thursday's favourites. However, they have serious defensive frailties that Richie Murphy and Ireland will look to exploit. This isn't the first storm Ireland have weathered and should they find their form on time for Thursday morning, very little will separate these sides.
READ ALSO: Analysis: Plenty Of Learnings For Ireland U20s In Valiant And Frustrating Draw With England
Team News
Ireland have made four changes following their draw with England on Saturday, including Hugh Cooney who will be serving the start of his 3-match suspension following his red card vs England. While Ireland have made four changes, Australia have made an astonishing ten changes to their team.
Check out the teams for Ireland U20s v Australia: Ireland U20s Make Four Changes For Defining Clash With Australia
𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃! 🟥
Hugh Cooney sent off for a high challenge causing a nasty clash of heads.#ENGvIRE | #WorldRugbyU20s pic.twitter.com/3AQQALoyzE— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 24, 2023
That's all the info you need on how to watch Ireland U20s v Australia in their top-of-the-table clash at the World Rugby U20s Championship in South Africa.
SEE ALSO: Ireland U20s Head Coach Calls Out Officials For Missing Multiple High Shots
