Steward back at fullback as England change three for SA semifinal

Freddie Steward was recalled at fullback as England coach Steve Borthwick made three changes to the team to play South Africa in the World Cup semifinal in Paris on Saturday.

Steward was a surprise omission for the quarterfinal against Fiji, which England won 30-24, Borthwick instead plumping for specialist flyhalf Marcus Smith in the number 15 jersey.

Smith misses out on the match-day 23 altogether, Borthwick confirming that the Harlequins player had not recovered from a head bang sustained against the Fijians.

“Marcus is unavailable for selection due to the return to play protocol,” he said, adding that Smith was ruled out earlier in the week after he failed the second part of the head injury assessment (HIA).

“He’s perfectly fine in terms of symptoms, he doesn’t feel anything. Player welfare is critical for us.”

Borthwick added: “After an excellent few days’ preparation in Paris, we look forward to the challenge of playing the world champions and number one-ranked team in the world.

“Through this tournament the team has progressed, with the players repeatedly finding a way to win, sometimes in challenging circumstances. We will once again need to be at our very best this weekend as we face an excellent team in South Africa.

“There is no doubt the players will truly relish the challenge of knockout rugby under the lights in Paris.

“These players will, as they have done in every game of this tournament, give absolutely everything in the semi-final to get the result we want.”

Owen Farrell will again skipper the side from fly-half, with Alex Mitchell completing the half-backs while Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant continue in midfield.

Elsewhere the side features two other changes, lock George Martin and prop Joe Marler starting in place of Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge, who both drop to the replacements bench.

Wingers Elliot Daly and Jonny May complete the back three alongside Steward.

Different context

In the front row, Marler starts at loosehead prop alongside Jamie George at hooker and Dan Cole at tighthead.

Maro Itoje and Martin are in the second row with Courtney Lawes on the blindside flank, Tom Curry on the openside and Ben Earl at No 8.

Theo Dan, Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Chessum and Billy Vunipola provide forwards cover, while Danny Care, George Ford and Ollie Lawrence are the backs’ replacements.

“We’re all really looking forward to it,” Borthwick said of the last-four clash. “Players are relishing this opportunity.”

But the coach and captain Owen Farrell played down any thoughts of revenge from the 32-12 defeat by the Boks in the World Cup final four years ago.

“We’re in a different context now,” said Borthwick. “We know what a top-quality side they are, with a great coaching team.

“We’ve got to be prepared, but we’ve got to be focused on ourselves.”

South Africa, Borthwick added, “posed a great deal of questions, which you’d expect from number one side in the world”, highlighting a strong set piece, contestable kicking game, ball movement and “speed on the edges”.

“The squad is jammed packed with power and size. We need a full 80-minute performance.”

Farrell said the team were “looking at what we can do in the here and now”.

“There are a lot of players in this team that know how to win big games and we’re looking forward to that opportunity this Saturday.”

Team (15-1)

Freddie Steward; Jonny May, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Elliot Daly; Owen Farrell (capt), Alex Mitchell; Ben Earl, Tom Curry, Courtney Lawes; George Martin, Maro Itoje; Dan Cole, Jamie George, Joe Marler

Replacements: Theo Dan, Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Ollie Chessum, Billy Vunipola, Danny Care, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

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