England name team for South Africa semi-final as Freddie Steward decision made

19 October 2023 , 11:00

601     0

England name team for South Africa semi-final as Freddie Steward decision made

Steve Borthwick has opted to bring back Freddie Steward for England's Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

The Leicester Tigers full-back wasn't even in the squad for the quarter-final but has been recalled as the Red Rose prepares to combat the Springboks' kicking threat in Paris. Owen Farrell remains at fly-half with George Ford the option from the bench as Marcus Smith is left out.

Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler have been named among the replacements with Dan Cole and Joe Marler starting in the front row, either side of Jamie George. Northampton Saints star Alex Mitchell has been picked to start at scrum-half ahead of Danny Care.

England are seeking revenge for their loss in the 2019 World Cup final, which featured a number of the current squad. Elliot Daly, Maro Itoje, Manu Tuilagi and Jonny May - all of whom start this weekend - were part of the XV that were outclassed by South Africa in Japan four years ago.

The Springboks have gone with an unchanged team having seen off hosts France in sensational fashion on Sunday night. Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth has already declared that South Africa are an improved outfit on the side that claimed glory at the last World Cup.

England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife

England team to play South Africa

15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 29 caps)

14. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 77 caps)

13. Joe Marchant (Stade Francais, 24 caps)

12. Manu Tuilagi (Sale Sharks, 57 caps)

11. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 63 caps)

10. Owen Farrell – captain (Saracens, 110 caps)

9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)

1. Joe Marler (Harlequins, 87 caps)

2. Jamie George (Saracens, 83 caps)

3. Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers, 105 caps)

Borthwick changes half of England team for Six Nations opener against Scotland

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 74 caps)

5. George Martin (Leicester Tigers, 8 caps)

6. Courtney Lawes – vice-captain (Northampton Saints, 104 caps)

7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 48 caps)

8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 23 caps)

Replacements

16. Theo Dan (Saracens, 6 caps)

17. Ellis Genge – vice-captain (Bristol Bears, 56 caps)

18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 67 caps)

19. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 16 caps)

20. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 74 caps)

21. Danny Care (Harlequins, 94 caps)

22. George Ford – vice-captain (Sale Sharks, 89 caps)

23. Ollie Lawrence (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)

Alex Spink