England v Australia: Fin Smith fit to face Wallabies

Fly-half Fin Smith has recovered from a calf injury and will start for England in their opening Test of the autumn against Australia on Sunday.

Smith has started England’s past five matches at 10, but was a doubt to face the Wallabies in the Nations Championship encounter after coming off late on in Northampton’s defeat by Leicester on 24 October.

The 24-year-old is joined in the England XV by flanker Ben Curry, who makes his Test return after an injury-hit 16 months.

Curry, whose twin brother Tom had an injury setback in training earlier this week that took him out of contention, is seen as key to combating Australia’s breakdown specialists Fraser McReight and Carlo Tizzano and ensuring a supply of quick ball to Smith and his backline.

Smith will have Saints team-mate Tommy Freeman as an attacking outlet and a target for crossfield kicks on the wing, while full-back George Furbank, who can step in at first receiver, played alongside both before his summer move to Harlequins.

Alex Coles, another Northampton player, wins a starting second-row spot ahead of George Martin, while Henry Slade is chosen at outside centre, with no space for either Joe Marchant or Will Joseph in the matchday 23.

Fin Baxter, who only made two appearances since a comeback from a 10-month foot-injury lay-off, is the starting loose-head prop, with Ellis Genge poised on the bench alongside Will Stuart, another welcome front-row returnee.