Ireland now lie 80 minutes away from creating history.
The Irish Under 20’s have secured a place in the World Rugby Championship final.
It is just the second time in Ireland’s history that they have reached this stage of the competition, with the only other occasion being Andrew Porter and Jacob Stockdale’s 2016 cohort.
To reach next Friday’s final, Richie Murphy’s side had to overcome their South African hosts in Cape Town.
An abrasive first half saw the scores locked at 0-0 heading into the interval, before a cross-field kick try from Leinster flyer James Nicholson put Ireland ahead in the dying stages.
Leinster’s Sam Prendergast dutifully added the extra two, seeing Richie Murphy’s men leading by seven at half-time.
The hosts hit back soon into the second half though, as Imad Khan levelled the scores five minutes in.
Ireland’s class ultimately showed in the second half as they secured a memorable victory in Cape Town. (Credit: Sportsfile)Ireland Under 20s extend unbeaten run to secure final berth:
Ireland’s class ultimately told in the end though, as they continued on their rampaging form which sees them now enjoying an unbeaten streak spanning over 12 months.
Munster back row Brian Gleeson returned Ireland’s lead with a try minutes later, before Nicholson added his second of the day with 20 minutes remaining.
Sam Berman dummied his way over the line with ten to go to see the 20’s stretch their lead out to three tries.
Battling against the poor conditions provided by the South African winter, Ireland saw out the game in an experienced fashion far beyond their years, sealing an eventual 31-12 victory.
Ireland will find out their opponents in next Friday’s final later on this evening, as Six Nations rivals France and England go to battle at 6pm Irish time.
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