MAKO VUNIPOLA helped England under-20s reach the semi-finals of the IRB Junior World Championship.

The prop, who grew up in Thornbury, was sin-binned for persistent offences as the clock ticked past 80 minutes in their final group game against South Africa with Johan Goosen kicking the resulting penalty, but England held on to win 26-20 and progress to the last four.

England senior manager Martin Johnson attended the match and gave an inspirational speech to the squad before the match.

On Wednesday evening, England will meet France for a place in the final.