England U20 sealed a dramatic 24-22 victory over South Africa in the semi-final of the World Rugby U20 Championship, winning an enthralling contest.

England – Tries: Mercer 2, Mitchell Cons: Malins 3 Pens: Malins
South Africa – Tries: Augusto 2, Van Heerden Cons: Bosch 2 Pens Bosch

The side will now play either France or New Zealand in Sunday’s finals day in Tbilisi, Georgia.

England had a five-point lead going into the break after Zach Mercer and Alex Mitchell crossed for converted tries which Max Malins kicked along with a further penalty.

South Africa responded though with Juarno Augusto powering over either side of England’s tries with Curwin Bosch converting the first of those tries.

A converted try from Ruben Van Heerden and five points from the boot of Bosch gave South Africa a five point lead with a few minutes left on the clock before a moment of brilliance saw captain Mercer score under the posts with Max Malins' subsequent conversion sending England into the final.

England Squad:
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), 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), 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).