Ireland U20s have 'point to prove' after disappointment of cancelled game against Australia

The loss of captain Evan O’Connell, a nephew of Paul,  for the remainder of the tournament is a huge blow.

SEMI-FINAL PREVIEW: Ireland drew with England during the Six Nations and will be hoping to secure a win and a final spot for a second year in a row. Pic: ©INPHO/SteveHaagSports/Darren Stewart

Ireland are hoping that Tuesday’s cancelled match against Australia will leave them fresher for Sunday’s World Rugby U-20 Championship showdown against England in South Africa.

Head coach Willie Faloon would have hoped to go into this showdown with the side who pipped them by a point to the U-20 Six Nations earlier this year also buoyed by three wins in a row but their final pool game against Australia was cancelled due to the weather, with both sides being awarded two match points.