Fin Smith fit to start as England prepare for Wallabies clash

England have received a significant boost ahead of Sunday's Nations Championship opener against Australia, with Fin Smith declared fit to start at fly-half after overcoming a calf injury.

The Northampton Saints playmaker came through the final training session on Friday and was named in Steve Borthwick's starting XV for the Twickenham encounter. Smith had been facing a race against time after missing England's recent training camp, with George Ford and Marcus Smith ready to step in if required.

Borthwick has made four changes to the side that defeated Argentina 31-24 in July. George Furbank returns at full-back for his first England appearance in two years, while Maro Itoje takes over the captaincy. Ben Curry replaces his injured twin brother Tom in the back row, and Fin Baxter comes into the front row.

There is less positive news at scrum-half, where Alex Mitchell remains unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury. Jack van Poortvliet will start, with Ben Spencer and Marcus Smith among the replacements.

England will be looking to make a strong start to their November campaign against an Australian side that has shown it can trouble the leading international teams. The Wallabies arrive at Twickenham on Sunday, with further Tests against Japan and New Zealand to follow for Borthwick's team.