Ireland book U20 semi-final after win against Fiji

Ireland 47-27 Fiji

Ireland have booked their place in the semi-finals of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in South Africa, putting a traumatic 48 hours behind them to defeat Fiji 47-27 in Stellenbosch.

Richie Murphy's side found themselves surrounded by tragedy in recent days after the sudden death of Greig Oliver in Cape Town yesterday. The Munster elite performance officer, and father of Ireland U20 out-half Jack, died in a paragliding accident on Monday, with players wearing black armbands and observing a minute's silence before this afternoon's game.

Players also remembered Andrew O'Donnell and Max Wall before kick-off at Danie Craven Stadium. The pair, who died suddenly on holidays in Greece at the weekend, were known to several members of the Ireland team at St Michael's College in Dublin.

In difficult circumstances, the Irish squad showed huge character to hold off a spirited Fiji and secure the bonus-point win to secure their place in Sunday's semi-finals, finishing top of Pool B after England and Australia drew 22-22.

Aside from a brief period early in the second half, Ireland were the better side throughout against Fiji, leading 26-12 at half time after a pair of tries for Brian Gleeson and one each for Danny Sheahan and George Hadden.

And although Fiji got back within four points, two Gus McCarthy tries, either side of a stunning effort from Andrew Osborne saw the Six Nations champions ease their way to victory.

Having come close to scoring in the opening two minutes when a dominant maul was stopped short of the line, Ireland controlled possession and territory early on, aided by a tight kick-chase which consistently put Fiji under pressure.

It was only a matter of time before Ireland would get their opening