England coach Steve Borthwick made three changes to his side that are set to play South Africa in the Rugby World Cup semi-final in Paris on Saturday.
Steward was unexpectedly left out of England’s 30–24 win over Fiji in the quarterfinals. Instead, Borthwick chose specialist fly-half Marcus Smith to wear the number 15 jersey.
Smith is not in the match-day 23 at all because Borthwick confirmed that the Harlequins player had not fully recovered from a head injury he got 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 lead the team again from fly-half, with Alex Mitchell and Manu Tuilagi continuing in the middle.
In other changes to the team, lock George Martin and prop Joe Marler start instead of Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge, who both go to the bench to be replaced.
Fans of wings Along with Steward, Elliot Daly and Jonny May make up the back three.
Marler starts in the front row as a loosehead prop. Jamie George plays hooker, and Dan Cole plays tighthead.
Martin and Maro Itoje are in the second row, Courtney Lawes is on the blind side, Tom Curry is on the open side, and Ben Earl is at No. 8.
Theo Dan, Genge, Kyle Sinckler, Chessum, and Billy Vunipola cover for the forwards. Danny Care, George Ford, and Ollie Lawrence fill in for the backs.
“We’re all really looking forward to it,” Borthwick said of the last-four clash. “Players are relishing this opportunity.”
But coach and captain Owen Farrell said he didn’t think the team would get back at the Boks for beating them 32–12 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.”
Borthwick also said that South Africa “posed a great deal of questions,” which is what you’d expect from the world’s best team. He pointed out that South Africa had a strong set piece, a kick-around game that could be contested, good 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
