Marcus Smith injury news: Why England star is out of Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa

Marcus Smith will not be part of the England squad for their huge Rugby World Cup semi-final tie this evening. 

The Harlequins fly-half was left battered and bruised after the quarter-final win over Fiji last Sunday.

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Smith received Vinaya Habosi’s forehead directly in his nose with just over 20 minutes on the clock and had to leave the field covered in blood.

He re-entered the pitch and continued to play, helping lead England through but he won’t be able to play in the semis...

Marcus Smith injury news

Smith will not be able to play for England in the Rugby World Cup semi-finals. 

After the head-on-head clash, he passed a head injury test but he then failed the second part of the assessment a few days later. 

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This meant he has not been able to fully train with his teammates this week and he is absent from the squad for the final four meeting with South Africa.

Speaking after the incident against Fiji, England’s defence coach Kevin Sinfield hailed Smith for his ‘brave’ performance. 

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“If there was any doubt how brave and courageous he is I think you saw it with your own eyes,” Sinfield said. 

“The bloke got his face smashed and threw his body into tackles. He got it smashed all over the place yet still wants the ball.”

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Smith has starred for England but he won’t be available for the semi-final and it is Freddie Steward who has been called up in his place. 

Steward will start for Steve Borthwick’s side against South Africa as the head coach makes multiple changes for the huge game. 

Ellis Genge and Ollie Chessum have both been dropped to the bench with Joe Marler and George Martin coming in to start. 

England: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Farrell (capt), Mitchell; Marler, George, Cole, Itoje, Martin, Lawes, Curry, Earl.

Replacements: Dan, Genge, Sinckler, Chessum, Vunipola, Care, Ford, Lawrence.