The hope of a golden summer for English youth sport continues to grow as defending champions England have reached the Under 20 World Championship final after a hard fought 24-22 point win over a dogged South Africa in the Georgian capital Tbilisi.

To emulate their footballing peers' feat of a World Cup title, the rugby side will face either France or New Zealand in the final on Sunday.

England had a five-point cushion at half time after captain and Bath number eight Zach Mercer and Northampton Saints scrum-half Alex Mitchell crossed for converted tries. Promising Saracens Fly-half Max Malins was impressive off the kicking tee, also kicking a first half penalty.

The Junior Boks showed their mettle with a striking performance from their pack. Dynamic number eight Juarno Augusto powered over for a first half try. The impressive Curwin Bosch of the Sharks duly converted.

The young South Africans continued to impress in the second half with a try from lock Ruben Van Heerden, with Bosch again adding the extras. They stretched their to 17- 22 after an impressive penalty kick from Bosch.