# Fin Smith Starts for England Against Australia in Rugby Clash Fly half Fin Smith recovers from injury as England prepares for Wallabies test. - **Source:** [The Independent – Sport](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/497626fb-56aa-4a2d-bb71-44770c175194 ## Fly Half Fitness Boost Fin Smith has successfully won his fitness race to start at fly half for England against Australia. The playmaker had been a significant doubt earlier this week due to a persistent calf injury. Having successfully navigated full training sessions, he is now confirmed to lead the backline in this crucial international fixture. ## Squad Rotation and Returns Full-back George Furbank returns to the starting lineup for the first time since November 2024. His comeback follows a difficult period marked by a broken arm, concussion, and emergency appendix surgery in Johannesburg. Meanwhile, loosehead prop Fin Baxter makes his test return after recovering from a complex, long-term foot injury. ## Captaincy and Tactical Shifts Maro Itoje resumes his role as captain after being rested during the initial phase of the Nations Championship. In the back row, Ben Curry starts on the openside, replacing his twin brother Tom, who is currently ruled out. Greg Fisilau and Henry Pollock are named on the bench to provide necessary defensive cover. ## Borthwick's Strategic Outlook Head coach Steve Borthwick emphasized the challenge posed by a talented Australian side that has played extensively in recent months. This match represents England's final opportunity to face southern hemisphere opposition at home before the World Cup next year. The team is eager to perform well in front of their home supporters. ## Australia's Tactical Adjustments Australia has introduced a selection surprise by shifting lock Jeremy Williams to the blindside flank position. Furthermore, the coaching staff has opted for Declan Meredith over Ben Donaldson at fly half. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii continues his deployment on the wing, while Isaac Henry partners Len Ikitau in the centres for this specific encounter. ## Upcoming International Schedule Beyond the clash with the Wallabies, England faces a demanding November schedule. The team is set to play against Japan and New Zealand. Additionally, they will participate in the inaugural Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, though their specific opponent for that final fixture remains unconfirmed at this current stage. ## England Starting XV Overview The England starting lineup features Fin Baxter, Jamie George, and Joe Heyes in the front row. Maro Itoje and Alex Coles lock the scrum, supported by Ollie Chessum, Ben Curry, and Ben Earl. The backline includes Jack van Poortvliet, Fin Smith, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, Seb Atkinson, Henry Slade, Tommy Freeman, and George Furbank. ## Significance of the Fixture This match serves as a vital benchmark for England's development ahead of the upcoming World Cup cycle. By integrating returning players like Furbank and Baxter alongside new prospects like Fisilau, the coaching staff aims to build depth. The outcome will likely influence squad confidence and tactical cohesion for the remainder of the season. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/england-team-news-australia-fin-smith-ben-curry-greg-fisilau-b3080508.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._