Rugby
England change three for Bok semi-final─── MORGAN PIEK 13:47 Thu, 19 Oct 2023
“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.”
England has made three changes to their team for Saturday's Rugby World Cup semi-final against the Springboks in Paris.
Freddie Steward, who was left out for the quarter-final against Fiji has been recalled and he will start at fullback against the reigning World Champions.
Marcus Smith, who played at fullback against the Fijians misses out after taking a heavy hit to the game.
Upfront, the lock George Martin starts ahead of Ollie Chessum, while the fiery Joe Marler comes in at loosehead prop ahead of the Ellis Genge.
The coach and former England lock, Steve Borthwick, said they are geared and ready for the challenge against the Springboks.
“After an excellent few days' preparation in Paris, we look forward to the challenge of playing the world champions and No 1-ranked team in the world," said Borthwick.
“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.”
Saturday’s semi-final between the Springboks and England at Stade de France in Saint-Denis kicks off at 21:00.
Springboks - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff
Replacements – 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Willie le Roux
England - 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell (captain), 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Ben Earl, 7 Tom Curry, 6 Courtney Lawes, 5 George Martin, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Jamie George, 1 Joe Marler
Replacements - 16 Theo Dan, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Billy Vunipola, 21 Danny Care, 22 George Ford, 23 Ollie Lawrence
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
