Wales will have a chance to avenge their World Cup qualifying disappointment when they meet Scotland in the rugbyleague.com European Cup final.

The Welsh were the odd ones out among the home nations at the 2008 World Cup, after losing out to the Scots in the qualifying rounds, but look to be a side on the up under new coach Iestyn Harris.

Harris' young team followed up their encouraging performance in defeat at the hands of England with a 15-try rout of Serbia in their opening European Cup match and came from 12-0 down against Ireland in Pontypridd to win 42-12 and clinch a place in Sunday's final in Bridgend.

The Irish, tournament favourites on the back of their impressive World Cup, lived up to their billing by taking the lead with tries from Marcus St Hilaire and Liam Finn - both converted by Pat Richards.

Slow-starting Wales drew level by the break thanks to tries from Ian Webster and Lee Williams, both converted by Lloyd White, and seized control of the game with three tries in a decisive 10-minute spell through Rhys Williams, Ashley Bateman and Geraint Davies.

Wales then piled on the agony for Ireland with further tries through Jordan James, leading Wales on his 16th consecutive appearance, Elliott Kear and Gil Dudson.

"Conditions were difficult, but I thought our skill was a bit off in the first 20 minutes," said Harris.

"But we got it right and played our way out of trouble. I'm pretty proud of them.

"We have a bit of a conveyor belt going, with youngsters starting to come through. They are really starting to come together."

Ireland's defeat was their heaviest for eight years. But they have a chance to redeem themselves when they take on Lebanon in Sunday's third-place play-off at the Brewery Field.

"For the first time in a long time, Ireland got 'out-enthused'," admitted Ireland coach Andy Kelly.

"We've got to take it on the chin and resurrect something from the competition."

Lebanon, who fought out two tense draws with Ireland in the World Cup qualifiers, let slip a 4-0 lead against Scotland to go down 22-10 on a quagmire of a pitch at Glasgow's Old Anniesland.

Scotland took the lead, despite being down to 11 men through the sin-binning of forwards John Cox and Iain Morrison - who was shown a second yellow card just before the end.

Brendan Lindsay, James Nixon and Kevin Henderson scored Scotland's tries - and Mick Nanyn kicked five goals.

"The win perfectly epitomised the spirit in our camp, especially keeping Lebanon at bay when we down by two men," said Scotland coach Steve McCormack.

"That was a fantastic effort.

"We are not a team full of superstars but we will always work hard for each other."