HUW Taylor, Jack Singleton and Andrew Kitchener all starred as England cemented their place in the World Rugby Under 20 Championship final last night.

Taylor was instrumental throughout and went over for his country's second try of the night after just six minutes as England swept to a 39-17 victory over South Africa.

Singleton started at hooker for the hosts, while Kitchener came on with just under half an hour remaining to steady the lineout.

Martin Haag's side will now play Ireland in Saturday's final at the AJ Bell Stadium (7pm) after they defeated Argentina in the second semi-final.

England led 31-3 at the break against South Africa, scoring five tries through Max Green, Taylor, Sam Aspland-Robinson, Johnny Williams and Max Malins with Harry Mallinder kicking six points.

The Junior Springboks made a strong start in the second-half with tries from Edwill van der Merwe and Curwin Bosch, who also converted both.

But another penalty from Mallinder and a Max Wright try extended England's advantage and settled the game.

Head coach Haag said: "We were really pleased and we want to keep improving.

"The first-half was outstanding. We played with pace and transitioned well between defence and attack - our defence was strong and we scored some tries off the back of that - our attack was fantastic."

Haag also believes preparation will be key ahead of Saturday's final.

He added: "We are really looking forward to the final against Ireland and we need to make sure we turn up for the occasion.

"We are delighted to get to this position but we have got another job to do."