It will mark just the second time no southern hemisphere team has featured in the final, after England beat Wales in the finale of the 2013 edition.

The hosts, seeking to make amends for their loss to New Zealand in last year's final, were in rampant form at the Academy Stadium in Manchester as they exploded out of the blocks against South Africa.

Five first-half tries were scored as wave after wave of English attacks proved too much.

Max Green, Huw Taylor, Sam Aspland-Robinson, Johnny Williams and Max Malins all crossed the line before half-time to effectively end the contest.

South Africa gave themselves hope with two tries in four minutes through Edwill van der Merwe and Curwin Bosch.

But a Harry Mallinder penalty steadied the England nerves and they scored the final try when quick hands created the space for Malins to slip a tackle and send replacement Max Wright over for try number six in a 39-17 win.

It marks the fourth successive Championships where England have reached the final.

Ireland, on the other hand, are first-time finalists but were similarly comfortable in beating Argentina 37-7.

Two tries from full-back Jacob Stockdale either side of a 70-metre intercept try from number eight and man of the match Max Deegan gave Ireland a 21-7 lead at half-time.

Argentina battled hard but were always going to struggle after replacement prop Santiago Pulella saw red for use of the head.

A final score from Shane Daly sealed the victory.

The final is due to take place at Salford's AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday (June 25).