Fin Smith fit to face Australia as Ben Curry replaces injured twin Tom in England lineup

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 a debut from the bench.

Smith’s selection is a boost for Borthwick, who lost Tom Curry to an injury sustained in training on Wednesday. The Guardian understands there are concerns that Tom Curry will not be fit to feature at any stage of England’s autumn campaign with twin brother Ben stepping up at openside flanker.

The 24-year-old Smith has started England’s last five matches and has cemented his place as England’s first choice fly-half. Furbank, meanwhile, will make his first appearance for two years as a result of a litany of injuries. He was due to start against South Africa in the summer but was struck down by appendicitis days before the match.

Elsewhere, Itoje comes back into the side after being rested over the summer and takes his place in the second-row alongside Alex Coles. As a result, George Martin must do with a place on the bench, which features a 6-2 split. Baxter’s selection means Ellis Genge is among the replacements to bring ballast from the bench as part of the “Pom Squad”. The Harlequins prop has recovered from a long-term foot injury to make his first appearance since last year’s autumn campaign.

Jack van Poortvliet is picked at scrum-half in the injury absence of Alex Mitchell while Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade reprise their centre partnership. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman continue on the wing. Baxter, Jamie George and Joe Heyes make up the front row while Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl complete the back-row along with Ben Curry.

On the bench, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Will Stuart join Genge in providing front-row back-up while Henry Pollock covers back-row and wing. Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith are the two backs selected among the replacements.