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Smith to undergo fitness test ahead of Australia match

Fin Smith faces a pivotal practice session on Wednesday as England's chief playmaker looks to prove his fitness for his side's Nations Championship opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium.

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 6:19 AM
Smith to undergo fitness test ahead of Australia match
Key Things to Know
  • England hope fly-half Fin Smith will prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's Nations Championship match against Australia.
  • Fin Smith returned to international training on Wednesday following a calf injury sustained in October.
  • George Ford and Marcus Smith are the backup fly-half options if Fin Smith is ruled out.
The Story in 60 Seconds

England are optimistic fly-half Fin Smith will prove his fitness ahead of Sunday's Nations Championship opener against Australia at Allianz Stadium. Smith returned to team training on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a calf injury playing for Northampton on October 24. Head coach Steve Borthwick is scheduled to name his matchday squad on Friday.

Should Smith be ruled out, George Ford and Marcus Smith are in contention to start at fly-half. Meanwhile, scrum-half Alex Mitchell has been ruled out of the entire tournament with a hamstring injury, prompting call-ups for Ben Spencer and Harry Randall to support Jack van Poortvliet.

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