Fin Smith fit to start for England against Australia

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 14:31 · Archive

Fly-half Fin Smith has recovered from a calf injury to start England's opening autumn Test against Australia on Sunday.

Fin Smith has recovered from a calf injury sustained in Northampton's defeat by Leicester on 24 October to start at fly-half for England's opening autumn Test against Australia on Sunday. Head coach Steve Borthwick has made four changes to the side that beat Argentina in July.

Ben Curry returns to the Test side for the first time since the summer of 2025 after an injury-hit 16 months, starting at openside flanker. His twin brother Tom has been ruled out after sustaining an injury in training earlier in the week. There are concerns, according to The Guardian, that Tom Curry may not be fit to feature at any stage of England's autumn campaign.

George Furbank returns at full-back for the first time since November 2024 after a run of injuries including a broken arm, concussion and a calf issue. He was due to start against South Africa in July but required emergency appendix surgery in Johannesburg. Maro Itoje returns to captain the side after being rested over the summer, taking his place in the second row alongside Alex Coles.

Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop on his Test return from a long-term foot injury. Exeter back-row Greg Fisilau is in line for a debut from the bench. Borthwick said Australia are 'a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months' and added that the match represents 'our last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year'. England also face Japan and New Zealand this November.

Fin Smith fit to start for England against Australia — Image: Sky Sports

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How it is being reported

Fitness boost for England as Fin Smith given green light to face AustraliaFin Smith will steer England through their crucial autumn opener against Australia on Sunday after completing his recovery from a calf problem.Sky Sports · 6 Nov, 15:06
Fin Smith wins fitness race as England hand out debut in Australia clashGreg Fisilau is primed for his first appearance with Ben Curry returning to the England back rowIndependent Sport · 6 Nov, 14:09
Fin Smith fit to face Australia as Ben Curry replaces injured twin Tom in England line-upMaro Itoje captains England after missing summer Tests Concerns Tom Curry may miss all Nations Championship Fin Smith has successfully come through his final fitness Test to be named at fly-half for England’s autumn opener against Australia while Ben Curry is selected at openside flanker for the first time since the summer of 2025. Steve Borthwick has made four changes to the side that beat Argentina in July with George Furbank also coming in at fullback, Maro Itoje returning to captain the side and Fin Baxter getting the nod at loosehead prop. The Exeter back-row Greg Fisilau is in line for…The Guardian · 6 Nov, 14:07
Fly-half Smith fit to steer England against WallabiesFly-half Fin Smith recovers from a calf injury to steer England in their opening Test of the autumn against Australia on Sunday.BBC News · 6 Nov, 14:00

In this story: Fin Smith · England · Australia · Ben Curry · Tom Curry · Steve Borthwick · Maro Itoje · George Furbank

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