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Fin Smith has successfully completed a last-minute fitness test concerning the calf injury he incurred during Northampton’s derby loss to Leicester last month and will spearhead England’s offense against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Smith has secured his position as England’s primary fly-half this year, and it will be a relief for head coach Steve Borthwick that the Saints player has made it through.
With club mate Alex Mitchell ruled out due to a hamstring strain, Smith will partner with Jack van Poortvliet at half-back while Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade form the center pairing.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who was England’s standout performer in the first leg of the Nations Championship, has recently had his own fitness issues but will line up on the left wing, while the prolific Tommy Freeman keeps his spot on the right side.
Following impressive performances with his new team Harlequins, George Furbank is back in the No.15 shirt, earning his 15th cap and his first since nearly two years.
Furbank last played for England against Japan in November 2024, while still with the Saints.
Although Furbank’s addition at full-back replaces Marcus Smith, there is only one alteration in the backline that started in England’s previous Test, the frantic 31-24 victory over Argentina in Santiago del Estero; Borthwick has implemented three changes to the starting forwards.
The fit-again Fin Baxter is chosen over Ellis Genge at loose-head, Maro Itoje returns to the forward pack after taking the summer off, pushing George Martin onto the bench, while Ben Curry steps into the openside in place of Guy Pepper.
Uncapped Exeter Chiefs back-rower Greg Fisilau is included among the substitutes as England opts for a 6-2 split on the bench.
In Round 4 of the inaugural Nations Championship, England will embark on a series of four consecutive matches at Allianz Stadium.
“Australia is a skilled team that has partaken in a considerable amount of Test rugby recently. We understand the challenges ahead, and we are eagerly anticipating it,” stated Borthwick.
“We’re thrilled to compete in front of our home fans and to begin an essential block of games. This will also serve as our final chance to square off against southern hemisphere teams at home prior to the World Cup next year.”
Regarding Fisilau’s potential debut for England, Borthwick remarked: “We’re all incredibly happy for Greg. He’s put in tremendous effort to reach this stage and has deserved his chance based on his performances for Exeter and in our training setup. He’s a strong, athletic player who injects real vigor into the group.”
After facing Australia, England will play against Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Rounds 5 and 6, culminating in Finals Weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November.
England squad against Australia, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, KO: 3.10pm GMT
15. George Furbank (Harlequins, 14 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 77 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 7 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 27 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 18 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 113 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 102 caps) – captain
5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 22 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps) – vice-captain
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 14 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 54 caps)
Substitutes:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 83 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 53 caps)
19. George Martin (Saracens, 24 caps)
20. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 53 caps)
