Ireland progress to World U20 final

Ireland produced a superb performance to beat Argentina 37-7 and book a spot in the final of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

The Irish scored three tries to Argentina's one during a thrilling first period at Manchester's Academy Stadium.

Queen’s University and Ulster out-half Johnny McPhillips kept the scoreboard for ticking over in the second half, prior to a late Shane Daly try, as Ireland secured their first appearance in the final of the competition.

Jacob Stockdale opened the scoring with just eight minutes on the clock in Manchester, backing over in the corner after Shane Daly had picked up a cross-kick from McPhillips.

Domingo Miotti missed a penalty before Leinster number eight Max Deegan made an interception and powered away from the Argentina cover to grab Ireland's second try.

Following a brief period of pressure from Argentina, Ireland went over for a third time, as McPhillips, Matt Byrne and Hugo Keenan combined to set up Stockdale, who secured his brace with a fine finish.

The excellent McPhillips knocked over all three of his first-half conversion attempts to leave the Irish in control.

Argentina hit back just prior to the break, as Juan Cruz Mallia raced onto a neat Miotti kick to cut the deficit, although Ireland retained a healthy 21-7 advantage at the interval.

With the Pumitas frustrated and over-committing when out of possession, a trio of successful McPhillips penalties left the Irish 23 points in front heading into the closing stages.

A head-butt from Santiago Pulella on Ireland lock Sean O'Connor saw the Argentina prop handed a red card to add to the South Americans' misery.

Despite a sin-binning for Vincent O'Brien, Nigel Carolan's men crossed again at the death, thanks to an interception and run-in from Cork Constitution starlet Daly, the score converted by substitute Brett Connon.

Ireland march on to a meeting with either England or South Africa at AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, aiming to complete an astounding tournament triumph.