Steward reinstated at 15 for Boks battle as Smith is held back after injury

ENGLAND will deploy Freddie Steward to handle South Africa’s aerial bombardment in Saturday’s World Cup semi-final.

- Nick Purewal

Marcus Smith was deemed not quite ready for action, due to the after-effects of a heavy blow to the face (below) during Sunday’s lasteight victory over Fiji.

Smith started at No15 ahead of Steward for England’s 30-24 win in Marseille, but suffered a bloody nose and a fat lip after a collision with Vinaya Habosi. The 24-year-old passed a Head Injury Assessment mid-match to return to the fray, but has not trained fully this week.

The in-form playmaker has offered England an extra creative dimension at full-back, but head coach Steve Borthwick will now rely on Steward’s power and aerial excellence instead.

Steward will make his 30th start in England’s past 32 Tests, such is the 22-year-old’s command of the Red Rose full-back berth. The 6ft 5in Tiger will be out to shut down South Africa’s aerial kicking game and put England on the front foot by retaining his side’s own high bombs.

Ben Earl will again start for England, with the Saracens powerhouse an increasingly important presence in the back-row.