By Ahmed Abdelsalam
England are cautiously optimistic that fly-half Fin Smith will be fit to face Australia in Sunday's autumn opener at Allianz Stadium after he completed a full training session on Wednesday without setbacks.
Smith returns to full training
Smith, who sustained a calf injury playing for Northampton against Leicester on October 24, trained fully with the squad for the first time since the injury. Head coach Steve Borthwick is expected to name his team on Friday, and unless Smith's recovery stalls, he is likely to retain the number 10 jersey.
Coach optimistic but cautious
Defence coach Richard Wigglesworth said Smith "trained and got through all right" and the team is "cautiously optimistic" about his availability. Wigglesworth added that they will monitor his reaction over the next 24 hours and that Smith must also train on Friday before a final decision.
Smith's recent form
The 24-year-old British and Irish Lion has started England's last five Tests after reclaiming the starting role from George Ford during the Six Nations. Wigglesworth praised Smith's game management, defensive ferocity, and growing attacking threat, noting he is in "great form" and has made a real difference in recent matches.
Teammate endorsement
Number eight Ben Earl described Smith as a "class, class player" who has been in unbelievable form for years. Earl said Smith looked very good in training and expressed excitement about seeing him play.
Sprinter visits camp
British sprint star Amy Hunt, who won four gold medals at the European Championships in August, visited England's camp on Wednesday. Wigglesworth joked that Hunt runs "a lot quicker than anyone will be this weekend" and said the players enjoyed her visit.
