Ireland's bid to improve their seeding for the next under-20s remains on track, just, after a 9-6 extra-time win over Italy in Cardiff.

In a tight affair at the Arms Park, Ian Porter's early penalty was cancelled out before half-time by Italian outhalf Riccardo Bocchino.

The Irish scrum-half again edged his side in front early in the second period, only for Bocchino to repeat the trick and force extra-time. But when Porter converted his third penalty late on, there was no way back for Italy.

Eric Elwood's young side will now meet Scotland, who overcame Canada earlier this evening, in a match to decide who finishes the tournament in ninth place.

At the business end of the tournament, favourites New Zealand strolled into the final of after running in four tries against hosts Wales at Newport.

The Baby Blacks will face the winners of the clash between England and South Africa at Swansea on Sunday after the 31-6 success.