# England fly-half Fin Smith cleared to face Australia

> Fin Smith starts for England in Sunday's Australia clash after calf recovery.
- Title: England fly-half Fin Smith cleared to face Australia
- Summary: Fin Smith starts for England in Sunday's Australia clash after calf recovery. England fly-half Fin Smith starts against Australia in Nations Championship…
- Keywords: england, australia, nations championship, fin smith, steve borthwick, george furbank, exeter chiefs, harlequins, saracens, leicester tigers, bristol bears, bath rugby
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/496827/england-fly-half-fin-smith-cleared-to-face-australia-as-nations-championship-resumes
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-11-06T14:33:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: england, australia, nations championship, fin smith, steve borthwick, george furbank, exeter chiefs, harlequins, saracens, leicester tigers, bristol bears, bath rugby
## Fin Smith cleared for Australia
Fin Smith starts at fly-half after calf injury recovery for England's Nations Championship opener.
## George Furbank returns after injuries
George Furbank returns to England squad after two years following appendicitis, broken arm, concussion and calf issues.
## Fin Baxter returns after foot surgery
Fin Baxter returns to England squad after 11 months due to foot problem requiring two surgeries.
## Borthwick's selection changes
Borthwick makes four changes to England team including George Furbank at full-back and Maro Itoje at second row.
## Greg Fisilau earns opportunity
Greg Fisilau earns England debut after hard work with Exeter Chiefs and training performance.
## World Cup context
England and Australia meet in World Cup quarter-finals next year making this Sunday's clash their final home encounter.
## England team for Australia
England faces Australia with George Furbank, Fin Smith, Fin Baxter, Maro Itoje, Alex Coles and Ben Curry in starting lineup.
## Key takeaway

England fly-half Fin Smith starts against Australia in Nations Championship opener after calf injury recovery.