Bowe was injured in the game against Argentina and was forced to miss the game against France and team manager David Haslett expressed disappointment at Bowe's forced withdrawal. "We were very disappointed to see Tommy go, very disappointed for Tommy. Obviously it's a blow, Tommy has been very good for us, a really good squad member. A very potent try scorer.

" But we just have to get over this, just get on with things. Get ready for the match tomorrow against the Australians".

Australia have been runners-up in each of the two previous under-21 world tournaments. In the 2002 final they went down against the host country by 21-24 in South Africa, and last year they lost to New Zealand by 10-21 in Oxford.

Haslett and the U21 management team have seen the videos of the Australian wins over France and Argentina."They're a big side. Lot of power and pace. They're a strong side." Haslett says.

" But we're confident we can do well against them. France played very well against them. Moved the ball well but in the end it seems the power and strength and size of the Australian pack told."

But the Irish are now well used to the physical nature of the game after their games against Tonga, Argentina and France and what is hugely encouraging for Haslett and Co is the way their side have finished those matches.

"Yes indeed, " Haslett agrees, " by the end of the game our pack was well on top of the French pack. In fact we've finished every game strongly. Last twenty minutes, despite the intensity and the frequency of the games we've been motoring really well and I don't see any reason in all honesty why that should change."

This side has already created history by reaching the semi-final stage and Haslett feels that perhaps the story is set to run. " The boys are really in very good shape, " he says, " and maybe we haven't finished with the history book just quite yet."

If all is well in the Irish camp, Bowe's unfortunate departure aside, Australia will have an anxious wait before they face Ireland on Wednesday (7.30pm) after two of their players were cited following their 41-3 victory over Argentina on Saturday in Galashiels.

A spokeswoman for the IRB confirmed that two Australians had been cited for alleged foul play and although she would not name the players, an announcement is expected later today.

Haseltt expects to name the Ireland side at around lunchtime today (Tuesday).