Fin Smith will start at fly-half when England open their autumn against Australia on Sunday, having come through Friday's final training session to complete his recovery from a calf problem. The confirmation ends a week of doubt over who would steer England's attack as the Nations Championship resumes.

There's a changing of the guard in the back row. Ben Curry comes in to replace his injured twin Tom Curry, and The Guardian reports concern that Tom could miss the entire Nations Championship. Steve Borthwick has also handed a debut to Greg Fisilau, who is primed for his first England appearance, while Henry Pollock takes a spot on the bench.

Maro Itoje captains the side after missing the summer Tests, restoring a familiar figure to the leadership group for a fixture England will view as must-win form-setting against the Wallabies.

Smith's availability is the headline, though. With the calf issue cleared, Borthwick gets his first-choice playmaker for a crucial opener — and England avoid a late reshuffle at the position that matters most.