England Names Fin Smith Fly-Half, Ben Curry Replaces Injured Tom

England has named Fin Smith as fly-half for the autumn opener against Australia, following his successful fitness test. Ben Curry is selected at openside flanker for the first time since the summer of 2024.

Head coach Steve Borthwick has made four changes to the squad that defeated Argentina in July. George Furbank returns at fullback, Maro Itoje is named captain, and Fin Baxter is selected at loosehead prop.

The decision comes after Tom Curry was ruled out due to an injury sustained in training. Officials said there are concerns about Curry's availability for the autumn campaign, prompting Ben Curry to step up.

Smith has started England's last five matches and has established himself as the first-choice fly-half. Furbank, meanwhile, is set to make his first appearance in two years after a series of injuries, including appendicitis that prevented him from playing against South Africa in the summer.

Itoje returns to the second-row alongside Alex Coles, with George Martin moved to the bench. Baxter's selection means Ellis Genge is among the replacements to provide ballast from the bench as part of the 'Pom Squad'.

Jack van Poortvliet is named at scrum-half in place of Alex Mitchell, while Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade reprise their centre partnership. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman continue on the wing. Baxter, Jamie George, and Joe Heyes make up the front row, with Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl completing the back-row along with Ben Curry.