News

Wales set to face Australia for 5th-place final spot

Osian Thomas
Osian Thomas charges downfield against France

Wales U20 will go toe to toe with Australia on Sunday at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch to fight for a spot in the 5th place final of the U20 World Championship. (KO 6pm) Richard Whiffin’s gallant side finished Pool A in third place after France came away with a 29-11 victory in storm lashed […]

Wales U20 will go toe to toe with Australia on Sunday at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch to fight for a spot in the 5th place final of the U20 World Championship. (KO 6pm)

Richard Whiffin’s gallant side finished Pool A in third place after France came away with a 29-11 victory in storm lashed Cape Town yesterday.

Wales went into the crunch tie in second place in the pool knowing a victory would secure them a place in the semi-finals but the defending champions spoiled the party and grabbed the last spot after finishing the group stages as the best placed runners-up.

Wales, along with Australia, Argentina and South Africa will now contest the 5th-place semi-finals on Sunday.

The clash against the junior Wallabies will give captain Ryan Woodman and several other players the opportunity to gain revenge for the defeat in last year’s 5th-placed final at Athlone Stadium.

“They will be a different challenge as they will probably look to move the ball a little bit more, depending on conditions,” said Whiffin, ‘but it’s always nice to play different teams that you don’t get a chance to very often.

“It’s another challenge for this group who had improved massively since the Six Nations. We’ve gave a brave performance against France but moving forward we need to be a bit mre accurate to get those big scalps.”

Related Topics