Fin Smith will steer England through their crucial autumn opener against Australia on Sunday after completing his recovery from a calf problem. Smith starts at fly-half after coming through Friday's final training session of the week in a major boost for Steve Borthwick's side entering the first of their four Tests at Allianz Stadium this month. Borthwick has made four changes to the XV that defeated Argentina 31-24 in July, with George Furbank returning at full-back having been ruled out against the Pumas because of appendicitis.
It will be Furbank's first England appearance for two years following a savage run of injuries, including a broken arm, concussion and calf issue. The Harlequins playmaker 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. Flanker Ben Curry makes his Test return after an injury-hit 16 months, with Henry Slade chosen at outside centre.
Fin Baxter, who only recently returned from a 10-month foot-injury lay-off, is the starting loose-head prop, ahead of Ellis Genge, while Exeter back row Greg Fisilau is poised to win his first cap after being named on the bench alongside Henry Pollock, who will be on standby to cover wings Tommy Freeman and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. "Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months. We know the challenge that awaits us and we're looking forward to it," said Borthwick.
"We're excited to be playing in front of our home supporters and to start an important block of games. This will also be our last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year." England XV: 15. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; 10.
Former Exeter star Len Ikitau returns for Australia after missing the Wallabies' most recent outing - a 43-21 defeat by New Zealand in Sydney on October 17 - because of concussion but has recovered in time for Sunday's showdown. The blockbusting 28-year-old centre is well known in England after completing a successful season at Exeter in 2025-26, helping the Chiefs reach the Gallagher Prem final. Declan Meredith continues at fly-half with Carter Gordon left out of the matchday 23 altogether while Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to the left wing to accommodate Test rookie Isaac Henry at outside centre.
Australia have included forwards Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini and Carlo Tizzano on a bench packed with power. "The entire squad has travelled well and prepared with fantastic energy and excitement heading into this weekend," Wallabies head coach Les Kiss said. "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." Australia XV: 15.
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