Fin Smith fit to start for England in autumn opener against Australia

England have received a significant fitness boost ahead of their autumn opener at Allianz Stadium, with fly-half Fin Smith cleared to start against Australia after successfully negotiating the final training session of the week. Smith's participation had been in doubt after he picked up a calf problem late in Northampton's defeat by Leicester on 24 October.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has introduced four alterations to the starting line-up that edged past Argentina 31-24 in July. The most notable backline change sees George Furbank return at full-back. Furbank missed the summer tour due to appendicitis and has not featured for his country in two years amidst a severe sequence of injuries that included a broken arm, concussion and calf issue. Furbank was included in the starting XV named against South Africa in July but was forced to withdraw because of the appendicitis that ended his tour without playing a minute.

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Fitness boost for England as Fin Smith given green light to face Australia

In the pack, Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop ahead of Ellis Genge. Maro Itoje returns to the second row, partnering Alex Coles, while Ben Curry secures the openside flanker jersey. Curry wins the race for the number seven spot, while his twin brother Tom had an injury setback in training earlier this week that took him out of contention, according to BBC reporting. Curry is seen as key to combating Australia's breakdown specialists Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano and ensuring a supply of quick ball to Smith and his backline.

Australia arrive in London having played a significant volume of Test rugby — whereas England's squad only assembled on Monday evening. Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has named a formidable matchday squad, bringing back blockbusting centre Len Ikitau after he missed the defeat by New Zealand in Sydney because of concussion. Ikitau is well known in England after completing a successful season at Exeter in 2025-26, helping the Chiefs reach the Gallagher Prem final. Elsewhere, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to the left wing to accommodate Test rookie Isaac Henry at outside centre, while Jeremy Williams starts at blindside flanker as Australia target England's set-piece. Australia have also included forwards Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano on a bench packed with power.

Both coaching camps have emphasized the strategic importance of the fixture. Borthwick noted that the game serves as the final opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year, where the rivals are projected to meet in the quarter-finals. Wallabies coach Les Kiss highlighted the magnitude of playing at Twickenham against world-class opposition, stating:

"Playing England on their home turf - at an iconic venue like Twickenham - is a massive challenge and another great opportunity for us to test ourselves against world-class opposition and keep building our game."

Les Kiss, Wallabies head coach

Following Sunday's encounter, England's autumn schedule continues swiftly. Borthwick's side will face Japan and New Zealand on 14 and 21 November before a Nations Championship finals weekend play-off against an as-yet-undecided southern-hemisphere opponent.