HIGHLIGHTS | Brian Gleeson dots down twice as Ireland secure semi-final berth in U20 Rugby World Cup

Brian Gleeson was one of three Munster men to start the clash with Danny Sheehan and Evan O’Connell also in the pack.

Ireland secured their place in the last four of the U20 Rugby World Cup with a 47-27 win over Fiji on Wednesday afternoon.

Their reward will be a semi-final against South Africa in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon as they take on the hosts at 3.30pm / 4.30pm local time.

England and France meet in the other semi-final later that afternoon. The final is fixed for Friday week in Cape Town.

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Under difficult circumstances following the passing of Greig Oliver on Monday, Richie Murphy’s side scored seven tries, including braces from Brian Gleeson and Gus McCarthy, to claim a bonus point win.

Gleeson was one of three Munster men to start the clash with Danny Sheehan and Evan O’Connell also in the pack. Max Clein made his debut late on.

Ireland advance to the weekend’s semi-finals as Pool B winners following the 22-all draw between Australia and England.

Number 8 Gleeson touched down twice as Ireland led Fiji by a 26-12 margin at half-time.

Despite the Fijians closing the gap to four points, Ireland made certain of their five-point haul thanks to McCarthy’s double and a rampaging run in under the posts from Andrew Osborne.

Importantly, there was some decent game-time for members of the wider squad, a number of whom are eligible again for next season. Garryowen’s Clein got on to win his first Ireland U-20 cap during the final quarter.

WORLD RUGBY UNDER-20 CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURES:

Sunday, July 9 –

SEMI-FINALS:

IRELAND U-20s v SOUTH AFRICA U-20s, Athlone Sports Stadium, 4.30pm local time/3.30pm Irish time

FRANCE U-20s v ENGLAND U-20s, Athlone Sports Stadium, 7pm local time/6pm Irish time

Friday, July 14 –

3RD/4TH PLACE PLAY-OFF:

IRELAND U-20s/SOUTH AFRICA U-20s v FRANCE U-20s/ENGLAND U-20s, Athlone Sports Stadium, 4.30pm local time/3.30pm Irish time

FINAL:

IRELAND U-20s/SOUTH AFRICA U-20s v FRANCE U-20s/ENGLAND U-20s, Athlone Sports Stadium, 7pm local time/6pm Irish time