ENGLAND NAME FIN SMITH AT FLY-HALF FOR AUSTRALIA MATCH

England have named Fin Smith at fly-half for their autumn opener against Australia after he passed a final fitness test following a calf injury. Steve Borthwick has made four changes to the side that beat Argentina in July. Ben Curry replaces his twin brother Tom, who suffered an injury during training on Wednesday. Maro Itoje returns as captain after resting during the summer Tests and partners Alex Coles in the second row. George Furbank returns at full-back, while Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop.

Furbank last appeared in November 2024, with subsequent injuries including a broken arm, concussion and a calf problem. He also required emergency appendix surgery in Johannesburg before July’s match against South Africa. Baxter returns from a long-term foot injury alongside Jamie George and Joe Heyes, with Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl completing the back row. Jack van Poortvliet replaces injured scrum-half Alex Mitchell; Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade partner in midfield, with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman on the wings. Exeter’s Greg Fisilau could make his debut from a bench also containing Ellis Genge, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Will Stuart, George Martin and Henry Pollock.

“Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months,” head coach Borthwick said. Australia have moved Jeremy Williams to blindside flanker and selected Declan Meredith ahead of Ben Donaldson at fly-half. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii stays on the wing, with Isaac Henry partnering Len Ikitau at centre. England also face Japan and New Zealand in November. Their opponents remain unconfirmed for the inaugural Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.