Ireland take it to a higher level

Under-21 World Cup/Ireland - 27 France 19: Raeburn Place. Imprint the venue in the memory bank, as it's where Ireland's upward trajectory in world rugby continued apace on Saturday. The victory sends them marching into their first IRB Under-21 World Championship semi-finals; they will play Australia on Wednesday evening in Hughenden.

Not only did Ireland beat France, they overwhelmed them, pulverising them up front and outclassing their notoriously dangerous back line. Most impressive though was the back row, where Jamie Heaslip, David O'Brien and Brendan O'Connor were immense.

"We did our work on the video," said coach Mark McDermott, "analysed where their weaknesses were and where we were going to exploit them, and the lads did that. We tired out their back row, negated their influence on the game."

Heaslip edged the man-of-the-match award with a performance that will surely impress new Leinster coach Declan Kidney.

Every man played above his station. Tomás O'Leary was a constant menace from the base of every scrum and ruck, Glen Telford did an excellent impression of Kevin Maggs in the inside-centre berth, while O'Brien scavenged like a true openside.

A huge amount of credit must go to the coaching team of McDermott and Pat Murray. For the second time in four days they masterminded the downfall of a physically imposing, heavyweight nation.

A mention must also go to the foundation laid by Mark McCall, now Ulster head coach, who was in attendance. His work - particularly with the backs - in the Six Nations was evident on Saturday.

McDermott pointed out the victory was achieved largely due to self-belief and preparation. Also, the wet conditions hindered France's smooth running game.

"All during the week we talked about how mental strength was going to win this. We knew they were going to be tired. The French play with a lot of width so today didn't suit them. They capitalised on our errors in the first half, scoring two tries, but what was encouraging was the move straight off the training park for our first try," he said.

That try came from O'Leary in the 24th minute and put Ireland in front for the first time, 10-7. Inspirational captain David Gannon took a quick ball at two in the lineout and fed hooker Denis Fogarty. He released O'Leary, who sprinted 30 yards down the tramline.

Everything was going swimmingly until three minutes before the interval when Jean-Baptiste Peyras slipped through the defence like an eel for his second try. Anthony Floch converted to leave France in front 14-10 at the break. Panic stations?

"We just needed to have a stern talking at half-time to get everyone on the job," continued McDermott. "We said we would cut down the errors and play for position. When we hold on to possession we can do an awful lot. Every one of them stood up to the cause, it was fantastic. The mental strength really came through there."

Within four minutes of the restart, Ireland had the French on the rack. Paul McKenzie, in for the injured Tommy Bowe, crossed for a pivotal try after superb build-up play by Heaslip and Telford.

Gareth Steenson added a penalty and with nine minutes remaining the Irish forwards tore their counterparts asunder with a rolling maul that ended with O'Brien landing the try. Steenson converted and at 27-14 it was all over for Les Bleus.

Denis Lison got the third French try deep in injury time but they were denied the bonus point as Floch missed the straightforward conversion.

Now attentions turn to Australia, with South Africa and New Zealand having to play their second match against each other in four days in the other semi-final. The Kiwis won 49-27 on Saturday so are favourites to make Sunday's final.

This is a good Australian side - they beat Argentina 41-3 - but Ireland are full of confidence and can take solace from the first-half mauling France gave Australia. With the initial goal of making the top four achieved, McDermott and his squad are relishing the challenge ahead.

"When you get to this stage of the tournament it's inevitable that a Southern Hemisphere side will be in the way. We're looking forward to it. The lads will be delighted to have a rattle at the Aussies. However, there is a lot of work for the back-room team to do in the meantime."

SCORING SEQUENCE: 5 mins: J-B Peyras try, A Floch con, 0-7; 15: G Steenson pen, 3-7; 24: T O'Leary try, Steenson con, 10-7; 37: Peyras try, Floch con, 10-14 (half-time 10-14); 44: P McKenzie try, Steenson con, 17-14; 61: Steenson pen, 20-14; 71: D O'Brien try, Steenson con, 27-14; 83: D Lison try, 27-19.

IRELAND: A Finn; R Lane, J Hearty, G Telford, P McKenzie; G Steenson, T O'Leary; J Wickham, D Fogarty, D Fitzpatrick, D Gannon (capt), S O'Connor, B O'Connor, D O'Brien, J Heaslip. Replacements: K Doyle for Fitzpatrick (79 mins).

FRANCE: A Floch; J-B Peyras, P Garcia, D Lison, J Arias; R Lespinas, J Dupuy; A Faliere, B Kayser, G Bergos, R Roques, P Vigouroux, Y Nyanga (capt), G Bernard, M Baget. Replacements: R Carmignani for Nyanga (30-33 mins), L Fior for Bergos, Carmignani for Baget, B Goze for Roques (all 62 mins), R Cabannes for Garcia (67 mins), B Thiery for Lespinas (76 mins), Y Montes for Falieres (81 mins).

Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia).

SATURDAY'S RESULTS: New Zealand 49-27 South Africa; Australia 41-3 Argentina; Wales 14-23 England; Italy 31-3 Tonga; Scotland 29-17 Russia.

FIXTURES: Wednesday: Semi-finals: New Zealand v South Africa, Hughenden, 5.0; Ireland v Australia, Hughenden, 7.30; 5th-8th play-offs: France v Wales, Raeburn Place; England v Argentina, Netherdale; 9th-12th play-offs: Italy v Russia, Raeburn Place; Scotland v Tonga, Netherdale.