Details of England’s likely team to face Australia have emerged ahead of Friday’s official announcement, with Steve Borthwick preparing several big selection calls.
According to The Telegraph, Ben Curry is in line to replace his injured twin brother Tom, who was stood down from England training earlier this week.
Fin Smith is also expected to start at fly-half, despite recent concerns over his fitness.
Henry Pollock looks set to begin Sunday’s Nations Championship opener at Twickenham on the bench, with uncapped Exeter Chiefs star Greg Fisilau also tipped for a place among the replacements.
The latest developments could force Borthwick to make several changes to England’s previously predicted XV.Borthwick will officially name his England team at 2pm on Friday, having already been forced to make changes to his Nations Championship squad following Alex Mitchell’s injury.
Here are three major talking points from the reported team news.
1. Ben Curry set to replace injured twin brother
Tom Curry is a major doubt after withdrawing from England training at Pennyhill Park on Wednesday.
The Sale Sharks flanker suffered a knock, leaving Borthwick with another selection headache ahead of the Wallabies clash.
England’s Marcus Smith celebrates with Ben Curry after the 2025 Guinness Six Nations Championship Round 2 between England and France in Twickenham Stadium, London, England, Saturday, February 8, 2025 (Photo by Tom Maher / Inpho)
His twin brother Ben is now the leading contender to start at openside, ahead of Northampton youngster Henry Pollock.
Ben Curry has not played for England since July 2025, having undergone two hamstring operations last season.
He is expected to join Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl in the back row, with Pollock providing an impact option from the bench.
2. Fin Smith expected to start at fly-half
Fin Smith is reportedly pencilled in to start against Australia despite suffering a calf injury against Leicester Tigers.
England’s Fin Smith during the 2025 Six Nations Championship Round 3 between England and Scotland in Allianz Twickenham Stadium, London, England, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (Photo by James Crombie / Inpho)
The Northampton playmaker trained fully on Wednesday but must come through a final fitness assessment before Borthwick confirms his team.
According to The Telegraph, Smith remains the preferred option at No. 10, although Marcus Smith and George Ford are alternatives.
Marcus Smith is currently expected to feature among the replacements, alongside scrum-half Ben Spencer.
3. Henry Pollock benched as uncapped star gets his chance
Henry Pollock looks set to miss out on a starting place despite his growing reputation.
Borthwick reportedly favours Ben Curry’s experience and breakdown ability against the Wallabies.
Pollock could instead be joined on the bench by Exeter Chiefs number eight Greg Fisilau.
The 23-year-old is in line to make his England debut after narrowly missing out on a first cap during the summer.
England are expected to select six forwards and two backs among their replacements, with neither Joe Marchant nor Will Joseph expected to feature.
England predicted XV vs Australia
Backs
15. Freddie Steward
14. Tommy Freeman
13. Henry Slade
12. Seb Atkinson
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso
10. Fin Smith
9. Jack van Poortvliet
Forwards
1. Ellis Genge
2. Jamie George
3. Joe Heyes
4. Maro Itoje (c)
5. George Martin
6. Ollie Chessum
7. Ben Curry
8. Ben Earl
Replacements
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Fin Baxter
18. Will Stuart
19. Alex Coles
20. Greg Fisilau
21. Henry Pollock
22. Ben Spencer
23. Marcus Smith