Four set for all-European semi-final

Ireland's lightweight four may not have got the rematch they wanted against Australia in their semi-final, but will have current World champions Denmark to contend with on Thursday (7.20am, Irish time).

Not that they should hold any fear for Richard Archibald, Eugene Coakley, Niall O'Toole and stroke Paul Griffin. The Danes, with flag bearer Eskild Eddesen in their quartet, were soundly beaten three times by the Irish at the Munich World Cup in May.

An improved showing from the Danes though saw their steady 40 strokes per minute defeat Italy three days ago.

A trio of crews go through with the Irish in a plum lane draw of three, having the Danes (4), and the equally dangerous Germans (2) and Dutch (5) flanking them.

Russia, who the Irish had a three-second edge on in Sunday's heat, and Spain, both qualifiers from today's repechage, complete the line-up.