One more mountain to scale for Murphy's Irish charges

Ireland’s victory was built on the foundation of heroic defence, mainly in the first half, when the Junior Boks had all the possession and territory and pounded away at Ireland’s line.

WORLD RUGBY FINAL: Ireland will face France in the World Rugby U20 Championship Final on Friday July 14th. Pic: ©INPHO/SteveHaagSports/Darren Stewart

Through rugby tribulations and deep personal tragedy, Ireland kept focus on their goal of making the final the World Rugby U20 Championships and it paid off.

Richie Murphy’s lads dismantled South Africa 31-12 in the semi-final with a clinical display of defence grit and attacking flair. They will meet tournament pacesetters France in the final on 14 July after Les Blues rebounded from early setbacks to beat England 52-31 in a freewheeling game.