England ‘pretty optimistic’ Smith will be fit to face Australia

England coaching staff are optimistic that fly-half Fin Smith will be fit to play against Australia at Twickenham this Sunday. Smith participated in training for the first time since sustaining a calf injury during Northampton's defeat to Leicester on October 24. Assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth confirmed Smith completed the session, though England will evaluate his condition over the next 24 hours before finalizing selection.

While Smith pushes for inclusion alongside fellow fly-half options George Ford and Marcus Smith, scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the entire Nations Championship after suffering his fourth hamstring injury of the year. Following their opener against Australia, Steve Borthwick's side will face Japan on November 14 and New Zealand on November 21.