Australia’s hopes of an inaugural U20’s World title are over after a disappointing 17-13 loss to England.

The visitors needed to beat the host nation by more than seven points to book a spot in the semi finals, but gave up a 13-6 half time lead in their second loss of the tournament.

Australia showed their intent form the opening whistle and crossed for their first try in just the 30th second after regathering possession from the kickoff. A well worked wrap around play allowed Mack Mason to slide through the English defence and offload to Jack Maddocks who beat the defending fullback with ease to score the opening points.

England hit back with a penalty goal immediately and dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the opening 20 minutes however Australia’s defence held strong.

Despite once again outweighing their opposing forward pack, this time by a whopping 68kg, the set piece was tightly contested with neither side able to gain ascendency throughout the first half.

Mack Mason extended Australia’s lead with a penalty goal in the 27th minute but England hit back with a three pointer of their own three minutes later after earning another scrum penalty deep inside Australia’s half.

Mason’s perfect night with the boot continued with his second penalty goal in the 37th minute handing Australia a 13-6 lead at half time.

England dominated proceedings after the break and were rewarded in the 51st minute when Joe Marchant pounced on a perfectly placed grubber kick to score his sides first try of match. Harry Mallinder was unable to convert the relatively simple conversion, leaving the score at 13-11.

From that point, England took complete control as Australia’s set piece fell apart. The visitors were unable to win their own scrum or line out for the majority of the second half and England capitalised, kicking two penalty goals to take a 17-13 lead.

Despite their set piece struggles, coach Adrian Thompson opted against replacing his front row until the 70th minute. A decision that proved costly, as England held on for a four point victory, ending Australia’s semi final hopes.

In a losing side, flyhalf Mack Mason was impressive and was named man of the match.

The result means the best Australia can finish is fifth.

England will play South Africa and Ireland will face Argentina in the two semi finals.