World Rugby U20 Championship: England Beats Ireland 32-25

World Rugby Under-20 Championship semi-final in Cape Town, England overcame Ireland 32-25 to advance to the final. Ireland started strong with tries from Oliver Coffey and Bryn Ward, but England responded with tries from Craig Wright, Ollie Allan and Sean Kerr, leading 22-20 at halftime. Despite a tense second half where scoring opportunities dwindled, Kerr’s boot secured nine crucial points for England to fend off Ireland’s challenges.

England, aiming for their first title since 2016, now await the winner of New Zealand versus France in the final on 19 July. Meanwhile, Ireland, who narrowly missed back-to-back finals, will contest for third place against the loser of the second semi-final. The match saw early intensity as Coffey scored within two minutes for Ireland, swiftly followed by England’s dominant scrummaging and a try from Wright.

Ireland briefly led again through penalties from Jack Murphy, only for England to regain control with a team try finished by Allan before halftime. Ireland fought back with Ward’s try but Kerr’s penalty and late try secured England’s victory, maintaining their second-half defensive stronghold.

Both teams showcased resilience in a hotly contested match, with England’s Ioan Jones pivotal in intercepting crucial Irish attacks. Kerr’s precise kicking under pressure proved decisive, ensuring England’s lead was maintained in the tightly contested World Rugby Under-20 Championship semi-final encounter.