ENGLAND are through to the World Rugby Under 20s Championships semi-finals as Pool B leaders after a hard-earned 17-13 victory over Australia at the AJ Bell Stadium.

It was their third successive win of the tournament and, with earlier bonus-point victories over Italy and Scotland, England finished as top seed.

They now play South Africa in the final four, while Ireland take on Argentina.

Worcester Warriors lock Huw Taylor started with fellow forward Jack Singleton on the replacements bench.

England head coach Martin Haag said: “We came here aiming to make it three from three and we’ve done that. I’m delighted for the players.

“The performance, however, was not where we wanted it to be, fair play to Australia, they were superb but we must be better if we are going to progress in this tournament.

“We showed great resilience, which is something we have worked on. We went into half-time behind but there was no panic in the dressing room, the leaders spoke and we knew what we needed to do.

"It was always going to be tough against Australia, they are a great team.

“We move on to the next game now and need to improve aspects of our play.

"The guys have come together in a short space of time and are starting to show their identity.

"If we become more clinical and hold onto the ball better, then we have the potential to be a dangerous side."

Haag continued: “South Africa are going to be physical and well drilled.

"We’ll keep the focus on ourselves, concentrate on ensuring there is a step up in our performance and will also need to go through the right recovery processes to be ready for Monday.”

Australia held a seven-point lead at the break, having made a sensational start, scoring after only 27 seconds.

They won turn-over ball from kick-off and recycled through their three-quarters before Jack Maddocks glided through England’s midfield to cross.

Mack Mason sent over the conversion but Harry Mallinder reduced the deficit with a penalty soon after.

The Northampton Saints back missed with another three-point attempt minutes later before a Mason penalty restored Australia’s seven-point lead.

Mallinder kicked his second penalty of the game after 30 minutes but Mason’s three-pointer just before the break sent Australia into half-time with a 13-6 lead.

Marchant then collected Mallinder’s delightful chip through the Australian defence to dot down and help inspire a second-half fightback.

For the Harlequins centre, it was his second try of the championships and sparked England into life.

Mallinder missed a penalty from inside his own half with 17 minutes remaining but made no mistake shortly after as England took the lead for the first time in the game.

He sent over his fourth penalty with six minutes remaining and England held out for a 17-13 victory.