Steward back as England change three for semi-final
Freddie Steward was recalled at full-back as England coach Steve Borthwick made three changes to the team to play South Africa in the World Cup semi-final in Paris on Saturday. Steward was a surprise omission for the quarter-final against Fiji, which England won 30-24, Borthwick instead plumping for specialist fly-half Marcus Smith in the number 15 jersey. Smith misses out on match-day 23 altogether, Borthwick confirming that the Harlequins player had not recovered from a head bang sustained 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 again skipper the side from fly-half, with Alex Mitchell completing the half-backs while Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant continue in midfield. Elsewhere the side features two other changes, lock George Martin and prop Joe Marler starting in place of Ollie Chessum and Ellis Genge, who both drop to the replacements bench. Wingers Elliot Daly and Jonny May complete the back three alongside Steward. (AFP)