Freddie Steward replaces Marcus Smith in No 15 jerseyBorthwick hands surprise starts to Marler and Martin
Freddie Steward has been recalled to England’s starting line-up for Saturday’s World Cup semi-final against South Africa with Marcus Smith absent from the matchday squad. Smith has been unable to fully train this week and misses out entirely with Steward returning the the No 15 jersey.
Elsewhere, Steve Borthwick has handed surprise starts to Joe Marler and George Martin in the pack in place of the vice-captain Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum, respectively. It is a second start of the tournament for Marler, who was preferred to Genge against Japan, and likewise for Martin, who started against Chile. Chessum’s omission comes as a considerable surprise but Martin offers more ballast to confront the Springboks’ power.
About Author
More Stories
Amsterdam police arrest more than 60 people after attacks on Israeli football fans
Jamie George’s message to England: we need to be brave and take Australia on
Premier League team news: predicted lineups for the weekend action