Newcastle Falcons’ Ben Redshaw started for England on Tuesday evening as they reached the semi-finals of the World Rugby U20 Championship.

The full-back played the full 80 minutes of their 17-12 win over host nation South Africa at a windy and rainswept Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.

Atrocious weather and a boggy playing surface disrupted the fluidity of a game in which the sides were level 7-7 at half-time.

England had to wait until the very last play to secure a hard-earned victory, winning with a driving maul deep into added time.

The English won their group and remain unbeaten in the tournament after previous victories against Argentina (41-20) and Fiji (48-11).

England’s semi-final against Ireland will take place on Sunday at 3.30pm UK time, followed by finals day on Friday July 19.