WALES will take on Ireland in Pontypridd next Sunday for a place in the rugbyleague.com European Cup final after beating Serbia 88-8 in their opening pool match in Smederevo.

Iestyn Harris' young side, fresh from their encouraging hit-out against England, scored 15 tries to post their highest-ever score, surpassing their 74-4 win over Russia at Aberavon in 2003.

Ian Webster kicked 14 conversions and also scored a try to break Jonathan Davies' record of eight goals and 28 points set against Papua New Guinea at Swansea in 1991.

Bridgend Blue Bulls centre Christiaan Roets, who was only allowed into Serbia after the British Embassy intervened to help resolve a visa issue, marked his Welsh debut with a hat-trick of tries and the man-of-the-match award.

Wales' other tries were scored by Elliott Kear, Jordan James (2), Matt Thomas, Ross Divorty (2), Rhys Williams (2), Lee Williams, Ashley Bateman and Ian Watson.

Oldham loose forward Austen Novakovic scored Serbia's solitary try after 10 minutes and stand-off Filip Brkic kicked two goals.