Fin Smith fit to start as England name uncapped Fisilau on Australia bench

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Fin Smith has been passed fit to start at fly-half for England against Australia, while uncapped Exeter back-row forward Greg Fisilau has been named among the replacements. Steve Borthwick confirmed his selection on Friday, 6 November for Sunday’s Nations Championship match at Twickenham.

Smith recovered from the calf problem he suffered in Northampton’s defeat by Leicester on 24 October. His availability allows England to retain the playmaker who has started their past five Tests at number 10, with Jack van Poortvliet selected alongside him at scrum-half.

Ben Curry has been recalled at openside flanker for his first Test in 16 months, following injury problems. His twin brother Tom was ruled out of contention after a setback in training this week. Ben Earl starts at number eight, with Ollie Chessum completing the back row.

Maro Itoje resumes the captaincy after missing England’s summer campaign and partners Alex Coles in the second row. George Furbank starts at full-back, while Fin Baxter has been chosen at loosehead prop ahead of Ellis Genge, who moves to the bench.

Fisilau could win his first England cap as part of a replacements group containing six forwards and two backs. Will Stuart also returns to the matchday squad, with Henry Pollock included alongside fellow forwards Luke Cowan-Dickie, Genge and George Martin. Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith provide the backline options.

Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso start on the wings, with Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade forming the centre partnership.

The Australia match kicks off at Allianz Stadium at 15:10 GMT on Sunday, 8 November. England then host Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November, before the competition’s finals weekend from 27 to 29 November.