Ireland secured top spot in Pool B of the World Rugby U20 Championship after showing incredible character to beat Fiji on the back of an awful few days.
The Irish came into Tuesday’s fixture after the shock news of the death of Greig Oliver, the father of U20 player, Jack, but somehow put in a performance.
Ireland had also been hit by the deaths of Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, who were known to the players, on the Greek island of Ios over the weekend.
The 47-27 win secures them a semi-final game against South Africa, who topped Pool C, with the knockout action set to take place on Sunday in South Africa.
Holders France go into the semis as top seeds after a 43-19 victory over Wales saw them top Pool A with the only perfect record in this year’s tournament.
France’s reward is a clash with England, who edged New Zealand on points difference to seal the best runner-up spot after both ended on 10 table points.
Georgia see off Italy to progress Georgia are guaranteed their highest-ever finish in the World Rugby U20 Championship after they opened the round with a 30-17 triumph against Italy.
Three of their four tries were scored by hookers and a dominant performance by the forwards as a whole means they avoid the relegation play-offs and better their previous best position of ninth, set in 2018.
Georgia’s tries came via Nika Lomidze, Basa Khonelidze (2), Tamaz Tchamiashvili in a bonus-point win that sparked celebratory scenes at full-time.
Lorenzo Casilio and Marcos Gallorini crossed for the Azzurrini, who finish the pool stages in fourth spot after one victory out of their three matches.
Emotional victory for Ireland Given the emotional turmoil Ireland’s squad will have gone through over the past few days, they can look back on the 47-27 success as a job well done.
Ireland had the bonus point in the bag just after the half-hour mark thanks to a brace from number eight Brian Gleeson and other close-range scores from fellow members of the pack, Danny Sheahan and George Hadden.
Their other tries came via Gus McCarthy (2) and Andrew Osborne in an impressive win under the circumstances.
Fiji’s crossings came from Moses McGoon, Isaiah Ravula, Moti Murray, Pateresio Finau and Frank Ralogaivau as they finish in last place in Pool B.
Meanwhile, Australia denied England the bonus-point win they needed to finish top of Pool B, but the latter did progress to the semi-finals on points difference.
