Joe Marler will start England’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa as one of three changes made by Steve Borthwick for their Paris showdown

• Joe Marler has been recalled to England’s starting XV for their South Africa clash
• It comes after news that Freddie Steward will also be recalled to starting line-up 
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Joe Marler has been recalled to England’s starting XV for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa, as one of three changes.

As well as the anticipated inclusion of Freddie Steward at full-back in place of the injured Marcus Smith – who is out of the match day 23 – head coach Steve Borthwick has revamped his pack. 

Marler has taken over from Ellis Genge at loosehead prop, while George Martin is preferred to his fellow Leicester lock Ollie Chessum.

England are braced for a ferocious, physical showdown with the mighty Springboks ‘Bomb Squad’ and the reshuffle up front is with that in mind. 

Borthwick will feel that Marler can reinforce their scrum and the same applies to the massive Martin, who is making just his second Test start.

Aside from the return of Steward to counter the aerial threat from the world champions, the rest of the Red Rose back line is unchanged. Captain Owen Farrell continues at fly-half with George Ford again limited to a bench role.

Joe Marler has been recalled to England’s starting XV for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday afternoon

Full-back Freddie Steward is also set to be recalled for the fixture and return to full-back

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