Ireland U20s one step away from Junior World Championship semi finals

Ireland on the verge of history repeating.

Nigel Carolan's U20s are one win away from reaching their second consecutive Junior World Championship semi-finals. Ireland disposed of Scotland, 24-18, at Stadio San Michele, in Calvisano, this afternoon and will advance to the last four if they can topple their final opponents, New Zealand, on Wednesday. Ireland led 15-3 at half-time, thanks mainly to tries from fullback Billy Dardis and openside Conor Oliver. The Scots were denied a try after only 76 seconds when they knocked it on with the Irish line exposed. Carolan's men regrouped and a wonderful Gary Rngrose break up the left flank, and a nicely timed pass, set up Dardis for a try in the corner. Joey Carbery kicked a penalty and when Oliver powered over for his try, Ireland were well on top. Carbery traded penalties with his Scottish counterpart to maintain Ireland's 12 point advantage, after the break. Lewis Carmichael got over for a converted Scotland try but another Carbery penalty, and one from substitute Tomás Quinlan, provided enough breathing room to secure the pool stage win. Turning over the Baby Blacks, next week, will be no mean feat. New Zealand thrashed the Scots 64-10 in their opening JWC fixture.