Tom Curry injury doubt for England ahead of Australia match
Tom Curry is a major injury doubt for England’s autumn opener against Australia this Sunday. The openside flanker withdrew from a full-contact training session at Pennyhill Park on Wednesday after sustaining a knock, leaving head coach Steve Borthwick to reconfigure his back-row strategy just days before the match.
Ben Curry poised for back-row promotion
With Tom Curry a major doubt, his twin brother Ben has emerged as the frontrunner to start in the No 7 jersey. Ben is currently in pole position to step into the starting lineup, a significant move given that he has not played for England since the summer tour of 2025. Ben Curry spent much of the last season recovering from two separate hamstring operations, but his proficiency at the breakdown is viewed by the coaching staff as a vital tool to nullify the Wallabies’ threat.
The situation remains fluid as Borthwick prepares to finalize his team selection for the Friday announcement. While Ben Curry leads the race, the coaching staff is also considering alternatives to fill the vacancy. Henry Pollock is expected to feature among the replacements, and Exeter’s Greg Fisilau is in contention to earn his first senior cap.
Physical intensity impacting squad depth
The uncertainty surrounding the back row follows a period of intense physical preparation. Borthwick implemented ferocious contact sessions during a recent mini-camp, an initiative intended to sharpen the squad’s performance for the November campaign. Kepu Tuipulotu and Archie McParland have both been ruled out of this weekend’s fixture due to injury.
Guy Pepper and Sam Underhill are unavailable for the entire autumn series.
Fin Smith faces fitness test ahead of selection
England’s preparations are further complicated by the fitness of fly-half Fin Smith. Having suffered a calf injury against Leicester Tigers two weeks ago, Smith returned to full training on Wednesday. Despite this progress, he must clear a final training session on Friday before being confirmed to start. If Smith is unable to play, Marcus Smith or George Ford stand as the primary alternatives for the No 10 position.
The final composition of the bench remains tied to these medical decisions. Borthwick is weighing whether to utilize a traditional five-three split between forwards and backs or to go with six forwards. Opting for six forwards would likely increase the chances of including players like Tom Pearson or the uncapped Greg Fisilau in the matchday squad to provide additional physical impact.
Understand that Tom Curry withdrew from England training yesterday. Ben Curry in strong consideration to start at openside against Australia. Would be his first Test since July 2025. Could be a Pollock-Fisilau mash-up on the bench if England go six-two.https://t.co/8PZyvOFq9G
The breakdown battle
The strategic stakes for Sunday are high. Borthwick has prioritized winning the physical battle against Australia, a challenge Tom Curry previously met by setting the tone in the first Test victory for the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane. Tom Curry has emerged as an injury doubt, and his potential absence forces a shift in how England intends to contest the breakdown.
The official confirmation of the squad on Friday will clarify if Borthwick selects Ben Curry or looks to debut new talent in a high-pressure international environment.
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