Freddie Steward will start at full-back for England in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa as one of three changes made by head coach Steve Borthwick.
Steward replaces Marcus Smith, who has been struggling with a facial injury, while Joe Marler returns at loosehead prop and George Martin gets the nod in the second row.
Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge drop to the bench after starting the win over Fiji on Sunday.
It’s a 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 – and here’s your team to face South Africa on Saturday 🌹
🔗 Hit the link below for more details
KO: 20:00 BST | Live on ITV 📺#ENGvRSA | #RWC2023
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) October 19, 2023
The Springboks go into the clash as overwhelming favourites after beating France 29-28 in a classic quarter-final and Borthwick accepts his players will have to be “at their very best” if they want to get through to a meeting with either New Zealand or Argentina.
He said: “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.
“I also know that our supporters will once again be there in their thousands, playing their part in backing the team with a full voice. To all those who have travelled and to all those lending their support and encouragement from home, I say thank you.”
