Tom Parton and Theo Brophy Clews helped England Under-20s book their place in this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship Final in dramatic fashion.

Zach Mercer’s try three minutes from time ensured a narrow 24-22 victory over South Africa and a showdown with New Zealand this Sunday (kick-off 3pm BST, live on ITV 4).

In a high octane affair in the heart of Georgia, Irish’s Parton and Brophy Clews impressed, although the latter was forced off through injury just before the break.   

“We're over the moon to reach the final, it's something you always dream of,” said England skipper Mercer.

“I said in the changing room before the game that we wanted to put ourselves in territory we've never been before and that's what we've done.

“We'll have a couple of days rest now. Credit to South Africa for putting in such a big performance.”

England U20
15. Tom Parton (London Irish)
14. Darren Atkins (Bath Rugby)
13. Will Butler (Worcester Warriors)
12. Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
11. Gabriel Ibitoye (Harlequins)
10. Max Malins (Saracens)
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
1. Ollie Dawe (Bristol Rugby)
2. Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
3. Marcus Street (Exeter Chiefs)
4. Josh Caulfield (Exeter Chiefs)
5. Justin Clegg (Worcester Warriors)
6. Dino Lamb (Harlequins)
7. Ben Earl (Saracens)
8. Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby) captain

Replacements

16. Henry Walker (Gloucester Rugby)
17. Alex Seville (Gloucester Rugby)
18. Ciaran Knight (Gloucester Rugby)
19. Max Davies (Newcastle Falcons)
20. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby)
21. Harry Randall (Gloucester Rugby)
22. Jacob Umaga (Wasps)
23. Paolo Odogwu (Sale Sharks)

Tries: Mercer (2), Mitchell
Conversions: Malins (2)
Penalties: Malins

England's 2017 World Rugby U20 Championship fixtures

England 74 v 14 Samoa: Wednesday 31 May – Avchala Stadium
England 34 v 22 Wales: Sunday 4 June - Avchala Stadium
England 20 v 19 Australia: Thursday 8 June -  Avchala Stadium
England 24 v 22 South Africa: Tuesday 13 June - Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
Final: England v TBC: Sunday 18 June - Mikheil Meskhi Stadium

Be part of the London Irish family with a 2017/18 Season Membership. Great value from £295 for adults and under 13s are free for 18 home games and much more.

Visit www.london-irish.com/membership or call 0118 968 1016 to find out more.

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