Leaked England XV reveals controversial selection from Borthwick
Rugby NewsTuesday, 28 October 2025 at 08:00
A leaked England XV has sent shockwaves through rugby circles as head coach Steve Borthwick looks set to hand George Ford the No.10 jersey when England open their Autumn Internationals against Australia at Twickenham this Saturday.
The move is already proving divisive among fans, especially after Brian Moore urged Borthwick just yesterday to “give Fin Smith valuable game time” ahead of next year’s World Cup.
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Ford or Fin? Selection Debate Heats Up
With Ford reportedly starting, young playmaker Fin Smith looks likely to be named among the replacements — despite an outstanding start to the season with Northampton Saints.
Borthwick’s decision signals a preference for experience over youth as England look to build momentum in the lead-up to the 2025 World Cup cycle.
Tommy Freeman’s Surprise Position Switch
In one of the most intriguing calls, Tommy Freeman — typically a wing for Northampton — is being strongly considered for outside-centre (No.13).
His club teammate Alex Mitchell threw full support behind the move:
“He’s a quality player who has a lot of facets to his game with his power and how he works in the air,” Mitchell said. “His confidence is through the roof and his form is amazing. We knew from the academy he’s got everything — speed, power, height, and game understanding.”
Freeman’s red-hot form, including a four-try performance against Saracens, has made him impossible to ignore.
Curry Returns: “A Test-Match Animal”
One of the biggest boosts for England is the return of Tom Curry, who is finally fit again after wrist surgery following the Lions tour.
His Sale Sharks teammate Luke Cowan-Dickie — who could earn his 50th cap this weekend — couldn’t hide his excitement:
“He’s built differently. He’s a Test-match animal. For his game and mental approach, he could have not played for a year and I’d still put him in my team.”
Curry’s inclusion adds world-class bite to the England back row, joining Sam Underhill and Ben Earl in a powerhouse trio.
CONFIRMED ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIA:
15. Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers, 38 caps)
14. Tom Roebuck (Sale Sharks, 6 caps)
13. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints, 20 caps)
12. Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints, 4 caps)
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs, 9 caps)
10. George Ford (Sale Sharks, 102 caps) – vice-captain
9. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints, 23 caps)
1. Fin Baxter (Harlequins, 14 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 102 caps) – vice-captain
3. Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers, 14 caps)
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 93 caps) – captain
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers, 28 caps)
6. Guy Pepper (Bath Rugby, 3 caps)
7. Sam Underhill (Bath Rugby, 42 caps)
8. Ben Earl (Saracens, 42 caps)
Replacements:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Sale Sharks, 49 caps)
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears, 71 caps) – vice-captain
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 50 caps)
19. Alex Coles (Northampton Saints, 10 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 61 caps)
21. Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints, 1 cap)
22. Ben Spencer (Bath Rugby, 10 caps)
23. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints, 11 caps)
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