Australia U20 skipper Toby Macpherson says his side must improve their A-zone conversion if they're to topple Ireland in next week's Pool B decider.
The Aussies' World Championship dream is at risk of becoming a nightmare following their first ever U20 loss to Italy, going down 17-12 in Cape Town overnight.
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Macpherson's side fought bravely against the wind and driving rain to trail just 7-0 at halftime but couldn't fully convert their second-term advantage, letting two late chances slip before being pinned downfield for the final 10 minutes.
"I don't think (the game) slipped away, we just missed our opportunities in the A-zone. We created plenty of opportunities, we've just got to be better at executing them," Macpherson told broadcaster RugbyPass TV post-game.
"You can say it rained or it was windy but at the end of the day, we've got to get better and that's what we're planning on doing this week leading into Ireland."
The Irish (nine points) now top Pool B following their dramatic 22-16 win over Georgia while Australia (six points) remain ahead of Italy (four points) after banking their second bonus point of the tournament.
It sets the scene for a table-topping clash next Tuesday (July 9, 10:00pm AEST) with Ireland in the box seat to sew up first place and a guaranteed semi final berth.
Australia can still knock the Irish off top spot with a bonus-point win or by denying them a losing bonus point.
Should they fail to do so, Nathan Grey's outfit would remain in semi final contention as the highest-ranked runner up but would require a losing bonus point and Georgia to defeat Italy plus other pool results to fall their way.
Macpherson says it's on Australia to bounce back and ensure their own finals fate against the reigning Six Nations Champions.
"They (Ireland) are a really good team, a class outfit, but they've got points that we'll attack and no doubt they've got points on us."
The boys have got to get up, swallow the tough pill today, back it up this week at training, get better and get better quick."
