Fin Smith has won his fitness race to start at fly half for England against Australia, with Greg Fisilau primed for a debut from the bench.

Smith had been a doubt with a calf injury but has been named at No 10 against the Wallabies having come through training this week.

Full-back George Furbank returns to the side for the first time since November 2024, while Ben Curry starts on the openside with twin brother Tom ruled out. Fisilau and Henry Pollock provide back row cover from the bench with Ollie Chessum continuing in his blindside flanker role.

Loosehead prop Fin Baxter starts on his Test return from a long-term lay-off with a complex foot injury, while Maro Itoje captains the side having been rested during the first phase of the Nations Championship.

“Australia are a talented side who have played a significant amount of Test rugby in recent months,” said head coach Steve Borthwick. “We know the challenge that awaits us and we’re looking forward to it.

“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.”

Furbank’s return comes after a horror run of injuries that has included a broken arm, concussion and a calf issue. The 30-year-old was due to feature against South Africa in July before requiring emergency appendix surgery in Johannesburg.

England also face Japan and New Zealand this November, as well as an unconfirmed opposition on the inaugural Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.

Australia spring a selection surprise with lock Jeremy Williams shifted to the blindside flank, while Declan Meredith is preferred to Ben Donaldson at fly half.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is again deployed on the wing as Isaac Henry partners Len Ikitau in the centres.

England XV to face Australia: 1 Fin Baxter, 2 Jamie George, 3 Joe Heyes; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Alex Coles; 6 Ollie Chessum, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Jack van Poortvliet, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, 12 Seb Atkinson, 13 Henry Slade, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 George Furbank.

Replacements: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 George Martin, 20 Greg Fisilau, 21 Henry Pollock; 22 Ben Spencer, 23 Marcus Smith.

Australia XV: 1 Angus Bell, 2 Billy Pollard, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Josh Canham, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; 6 Jeremy Williams, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Ryan Lonergan, 10 Declan Meredith; 11 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Isaac Henry, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.

Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Valetini, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Filipo Daugunu.