England are waiting on the fitness of Marcus Smith before finalising plans for the World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Saturday, with Freddie Steward waiting in the wings. Smith was unable to take a full part in training on Tuesday with England awaiting the latest medical bulletin and keeping the Springboks guessing over their selection at full-back.
The England defence coach, Kevin Sinfield, lauded Smith after only his second start in the No 15 jersey against Fiji but admitted he was on a modified training programme on Tuesday. Sinfield also pointed to how Steve Borthwick has not named an unchanged team throughout the tournament – in fact he has never done so as England head coach – and was full of praise for Steward, who is hoping for a recall.
