London (AFP) - England were given a boost as Fin Smith was passed fit to start at fly-half in their November Nations Championship opener against Australia at Twickenham on Sunday after overcoming a calf problem.

Smith got through Friday’s final training session before being included in the starting 15 named by coach Steve Borthwick for the first of four Tests at Twickenham this month.

Borthwick has made four changes to the starting side that defeated Argentina 31-24 in July, with George Furbank returning at full-back after being ruled out against the Pumas with appendicitis.

It will be Furbank’s first England appearance for two years following a spate of injuries, including a broken arm, concussion and a calf issue.

Flanker Ben Curry returns to Test duty after an injury-hit 16 months.

Fin Baxter starts at loosehead prop after being sidelined for nearly a year because of a foot problem that required two operations.

He replaces Ellis Genge, who drops to the bench, with second row Maro Itoje returning to captain the team after being rested for the southern hemisphere phase of the Nations Championship in July.

Henry Pollock provides back-row cover from the bench, with Greg Fisilau included in an England matchday 23 for the first time.

Sunday’s match is likely to be the last time England face Australia before next year’s World Cup, where the teams are forecast to meet in the quarter-finals.

“Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months,” said Borthwick, whose team have suffered five defeats in eight Tests so far in 2026.

“We know the challenge that awaits us and we’re looking forward to it.

“This (month’s games) will also be our last opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year.”

Australia made several changes following two heavy defeats by New Zealand last month but resisted the temptation to recall veteran back Kurtley Beale.

Fraser McReight will earn his 50th cap in a new-look back row, with Rob Valetini dropped to the bench and Jeremy Williams switched from lock to blindside flanker alongside captain and No 8 Harry Wilson.

Len Ikitau returns to partner Isaac Henry in midfield, having missed the last Test under head injury assessment protocols.

Meanwhile Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, back at the scene of his Test debut in 2024, starts on the right wing in place of Harry Potter.

Brumbies team-mates Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith remain the half-back duo, while Josh Canham is back at lock and Angus Bell returns at loosehead prop.

Teams (15-1)

England

George Furbank; Tommy Freeman, Henry Slade, Seb Atkinson, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso; Fin Smith, Jack van Poortvliet; Ben Earl, Ben Curry, Ollie Chessum; Alex Coles, Maro Itoje (capt); Joe Heyes, Jamie George, Fin Baxter

Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Martin, Greg Fisilau, Henry Pollock, Ben Spencer, Marcus Smith

Coach: Steve Borthwick (ENG)

Australia

Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Isaac Henry, Len Ikitau, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Jeremy Williams; Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham; Allan Alaalatoa, Billy Pollard, Angus Bell

Replacements: Josh Nasser, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Carlo Tizzano, Tate McDermott, Ben Donaldson, Filipo Daugunu

Coach: Les Kiss (AUS)