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, as Steward returns to the No 15 jersey. Elsewhere, Steve Borthwick has handed surprise starts to Joe Marler and George Martin in the pack, in place of 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.
England recall Steward for World Cup semi-final against South Africa
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