JASON Strange has declared that Wales' opening salvo in the World Rugby U20 Championship shows that making the semi-finals is no mission impossible, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Welsh youngsters are staring down the barrel in their bid for the title after throwing away a 17-0 lead to go down to Ireland 26-25 in their tournament opener.

The Grand Slam winners must now win both remaining Pool A games to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals with Saturday's clash with Georgia followed by Wednesday's daunting date with holders New Zealand.

Wales ran in three tries in the opening quarter against the Irish only to lose their way but head coach Strange believes that stunning start gives reason to believe against the Baby Blacks.

"To get two points through four tries and a losing bonus was a major plus. Even though it's going to be a little bit more difficult we still have got a fighting chance and won't give up," said the former fly-half.

"Beating New Zealand is not impossible and we will prepare well for the next two games and look forward to the challenge.

"You only have to look at the first 20 minutes to see how capable this group is. If we play to our potential we are a quality side, we just need to do it on a more consistent basis. We learnt that lesson against Ireland."

Wales name their side to face Georgia today (FRI) but will be without Adam Beard after the Ospreys lock was given a nine-week suspension for making contact with the right eye of Ireland's Kelvin Brown at a maul.

A World Rugby statement read: "The player had not intentionally or deliberately targeted the eye of the Irish player however the judicial officer (England's Mike Hamlin) found the contact to be reckless."

Beard, who played seven times for the Ospreys last season, will miss the remaining four games of the tournament and will miss the Liberty Stadium side's opening two games of the Guinness Pro12 with the suspension expiring on September 10.