Fin Smith has passed a late fitness test on the calf injury he sustained in Northampton’s derby defeat by Leicester last month and will lead England’s attack against Australia at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Smith has established himself as England’s first-choice 10 this year and it will come as a relief to head coach Steve Borthwick that the Saints man has pulled through.

With club teammate, Alex Mitchell, sidelined with a hamstring injury, Smith is partnered at half-back by Jack van Poortvliet, while the centre combination is made up of Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, England’s most dangerous attacker in the first leg of the Nations Championship, has had his own fitness concerns of late but is named on the left wing, while the prolific Tommy Freeman retains his place on the right edge.

Following his good form for new club Harlequins, George Furbank wins back the No.15 jersey to earn his 15th cap and his first for nearly two years.

Furbank’s last appearance for England was against Japan in November 2024, whilst a Saints player.

While Furbank’s inclusion at full-back at the expense of Marcus Smith is the only change to the backline that started England’s last Test, the chaotic 31-24 win against Argentina in Santiago del Eestero, Borthwick has made three alterations to his starting pack.

The fit-again Fin Baxter is preferred to Ellis Genge at loose-head, Maro Itoje comes into the engine room following his summer off, with George Martin moving to the bench, while Ben Curry steps into openside in the absence of Guy Pepper.

Uncapped Exeter Chiefs back-row forward Greg Fisilau is named among the replacements with England opting for a 6-2 split on the bench.

The Round 4 fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship sees England begin a run of four consecutive matches at Allianz Stadium.

“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.”

On Fisilau’s potential England debut, Borthwick added: “We’re all absolutely delighted for Greg. He’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point and has earned his opportunity through the way he’s performed for Exeter and in our training environment. He’s a powerful, athletic player who brings real energy to the team.”

Following the Australia fixture, England will face Japan and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Rounds 5 and 6, before Finals Weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November.

England team v Australia, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, KO: 3.10pm GMT

15. George Furbank (Harlequins, 14 caps)
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 30 caps)
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 77 caps)
12. Seb Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby, 7 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 16 caps)
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 19 caps)
9. Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers, 27 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 18 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 113 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 25 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 102 caps) – captain
5. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 22 caps)
6. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps) – vice-captain
7. Ben Curry (Sale Sharks, 14 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 54 caps)

Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 83 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 53 caps)
19. George Martin (Saracens, 24 caps)
20. Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 13 caps)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 19 caps)
23. Marcus Smith (Harlequins, 53 caps)