Smith passed fit to start for England as Saints quartet get set to face Australia
England have named a 6-2 bench split, with Maro Itoje back as captain and Greg Fisilau in line for a first cap.
- England will host Australia at Allianz Stadium Twickenham on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with captain Maro Itoje leading the squad in the Nations Championship.
- Head coach Steve Borthwick enters the fixture under pressure following reports of summer internal unrest, though Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney has publicly reaffirmed backing.
- Fly-Half Fin Smith is fit to start after overcoming a calf injury, while full-back George Furbank returns following recovery from appendicitis and other injuries. Both were significant doubts.
- Named on a six-two split bench, Ellis Genge and Henry Pollock bolster forward depth, with Borthwick opting for tactical emphasis on the pack to strengthen the replacements.
- This Test marks the start of a crucial autumn block, offering England a final opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before next year's World Cup.
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11 Articles
Northampton Chronicle & Echo
Smith passed fit to start for England as Saints quartet get set to face Australia
Fin Smith has been passed fit to start for England in their Nations Championship clash with Australia at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Sunday (kick-off 3.10pm).
The Independent
The Independent (US)Maro Itoje named captain as Steve Borthwick reveals starting XV for Australia test
At Twickenham he challenged the Wallabies: the choice of the technician after the flanker had become the protagonist of a fight in Leicester Tigers-Northampton Saints L'articolo Nations Championship, the formation of England against Australia: Henry Pollock case, Steve Borthwick has decided seems to be the first on On Rugby.
Fin Smith: Fitness boost for England as fly-half given green light to face Australia with Henry Pollock on bench for Australia clash
Fin Smith is fit to start for England since injuring his calf in Northamptons defeat to Leicester on October 24; Steve Borthwick makes four changes to the XV that defeated Argentina 31-24 in July; Len Ikitau returns for Australia
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