Rugby World Cup: Freddie Steward returns as England name side to face Springboks

Steward was dropped for the first time in his 29-cap Test career for England's quarter-final victory over Fiji, losing the number 15 jersey to the more attack-minded Marcus Smith.

But Smith finished the Marseille showdown with a fat lip and bandaged head following his defensive heroics - becoming an injury doubt - and has now been left out of the 23 altogether.

The remaining two changes are seen in the front five where Joe Marler starts ahead of Ellis Genge and George Martin comes in for Ollie Chessum - both unexpected changes.

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England field eight survivors from the starting XV that was overrun 32-12 by South Africa in the 2019 World Cup final, the same number picked by the Springboks who named their team earlier on Thursday morning.

Captain Owen Farrell continues at flyhalf after his man-of-the-match display against Fiji with George Ford providing cover as a replacement.

"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," head coach Steve Borthwick said.

"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.

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"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.

"I also know that our supporters will once again be there in their thousands, playing their part in backing the team with a full voice.

"To all those who have travelled and to all those lending their support and encouragement from home, I say ˜thank you'."

England:

15 Freddie Steward, 14 Jonny May, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Elliot Daly, 10 Owen Farrell (c), 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

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