Fly-half Fin Smith has recovered from a calf injury and will start for England in their opening autumn Test against Australia on Sunday. The 24-year-old, who has started England's past five matches at fly-half, was a doubt after coming off late in Northampton's defeat by Leicester on 24 October. He is joined in the England XV by flanker Ben Curry, who makes his Test return after an injury-hit 16 months.
Curry 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. England are playing at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium for the first time since February's 42-21 defeat by Ireland and are in need of a strong campaign to propel them towards next year's Six Nations and Rugby World Cup.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing