Wales came from 12-0 down to condemn Ireland to their heaviest defeat for eight years and reach the final of the rugbyleague.com European Cup.

The Welsh scored eight tries without reply in their final pool two match in Pontypridd to earn a place in next Sunday's final against Scotland at Bridgend's Brewery Field.

The Irish, who were the tournament favourites on the back of their impressive World Cup performance, must lick their wounds for a third-place play-off against Lebanon yet they took the lead with tries from debutant centre Marcus St Hilaire and scrum half Liam Finn, both goaled by Pat Richards.

Slow-starting Wales drew level by the break thanks to tries from loose forward Ian Webster and substitute Lee Williams, both converted by Lloyd White, in the last 10 minutes of the half.

And the home side seized control of the game with three tries in a decisive 10-minute spell early in the second half through Rhys Williams, Ashley Bateman and Geraint Davies.

White missed all three conversions but prop Jordan James, leading Wales on his 16th consecutive appearance in the absence of injured captain Ben Flower, clinched victory when he powered his way over on 61 minutes.

Full-back Elliott Kear and substitute Gil Dudson then took advantage of a tiring Irish defence to add further tries and White took his goal tally to five from eight attempts.