Australia U20s coach Nathan Grey admits the team will harness the disappointment of their cancelled Ireland game as they prepare for Monday's (AEST) fifth-eighth place semi-final against Wales.
Needing victory to advance to the semi-finals, the game was cancelled as a result of an unsafe surface.
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The decision left Grey furious but ultimately left to channel the energy into the clash with the Welsh.
“The boys are very highly motivated going into our game tomorrow against Wales," he said.
“One thing that we've been very clear with is we can just control the things that we can and what we can control is how we perform and how we show up
“The focus shifted very quickly to Wales once we found out what the story was and all our preparation has been really laser focused on that.”
Vice-captain Dan Nelson echoed this, with the side out to replicate last year's fifth place finish.
“We regrouped really well at the start of the week and we've had a good week of prep,” Nelson said.
“If anything, it just lights a fire and got a point to prove this weekend against Wales now.”
Wales missed the semi-finals after a 29-10 defeat to France, having dropped their opening game 41-34 to New Zealand in a thriller.
“They're a really solid team. They're very physical up front, so it'll be a big battle for our piggies," Nelson added.
“They move the ball really well with speed to burn and are pretty silky.
“I know that if we play our game and the game we’re capable of playing, we’ll get the result we’re looking for.
