Giant-killing Ireland U20s to face Pumas in World semi-finals

Argentina caught the eye in winning Pool B, beating a number of high-profile opponents.

Wed, 15 Jun, 2016 - 23:30

After defeating Grand Slam champions Wales and reigning World champions New Zealand, the

writes Dave Mervyn

Nigel Carolan's Ireland U-20s topped Pool A (13 points) and qualified for the last-four as second seeds behind tournament hosts England (14 points), who came from behind to beat Australia and advance as Pool B winners.

Argentina (13 points) caught the eye in winning Pool B, beating France, South Africa and Japan along the way. Los Pumitas will provide the opposition for Ireland in the first of Monday's semi-finals, with the teams clashing at the Manchester City Academy Stadium.

The second semi-final will see South Africa - the best runners-up (11 points) - go up against England at the same venue on Monday night.

The final has been set for Saturday week (June 25) at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford (kick-off 7pm).

Ireland played Argentina in the pool stages of last year's World Rugby U-20 Championship in Italy, emerging with a dramatic 18-16 victory thanks to a stunning late penalty from Tomas Quinlan. Two members of the current squad - versatile back Jacob Stockdale and prop Andrew Porter - played in that game.

World Rugby Under-20 Championship semi-finals: Monday, June 20

IRELAND U-20s v ARGENTINA U-20s, Manchester City Academy Stadium, 5.30pm (live TG4/Sky Sports 3 HD)

ENGLAND U-20s v SOUTH AFRICA U-20s, Manchester City Academy Stadium, 7.45pm (live TG4/Sky Sports 3 HD)