Henry Pollock Could Cover Wing as Ben Curry Nears England Start Against Australia

Steve Borthwick is reportedly preparing to make two significant selection decisions ahead of England’s Nations Championship clash with Australia, with Henry Pollock potentially providing cover on the wing and Ben Curry expected to replace his injured twin brother Tom in the starting XV.

England return to the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Sunday 8th November for their first home fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship, with the Wallabies providing a major test of Borthwick’s preparations ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

However, injuries have complicated England’s preparations, with Tom Curry emerging as a major doubt after withdrawing from training on Wednesday. His potential absence has opened the door for twin brother Ben, while Northampton Saints youngster Henry Pollock could be handed an unusual role among England’s replacements.

Ben Curry Set for England Return Following Twin Brother’s Injury

Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry reportedly suffered an injury during England’s training session at Pennyhill Park on Wednesday, leaving Borthwick with another selection headache just days before facing Australia.

The 28-year-old was expected to play an important role in England’s back row throughout November, having impressed during the British & Irish Lions’ successful tour of Australia in 2025.

His potential absence could provide an opportunity for twin brother Ben Curry, who is reportedly the leading candidate to start at openside flanker alongside Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl.

Ben has not represented England since July 2025, having endured a frustrating period with hamstring injuries that disrupted much of his 2025/26 campaign.

The Sale Sharks forward has since returned to domestic action and now looks set for an important opportunity to establish himself in Borthwick’s plans.

His defensive qualities and ability to compete at the breakdown could prove particularly valuable against Australia, whose squad includes dangerous back-row operators such as Fraser McReight.

With England determined to improve their defensive performances following a difficult Six Nations campaign earlier this year, Curry could provide the physicality and experience required against the Wallabies.

Henry Pollock Could Be Used as Wing Cover Against Australia

Perhaps the most surprising development ahead of Sunday’s fixture concerns Henry Pollock, with reports suggesting the Northampton Saints youngster could provide emergency cover on the wing.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of England’s most exciting emerging talents, combining his explosive pace and attacking ability with the physical demands of playing in the back row.

Although Pollock is expected to begin the Australia fixture among England’s replacements, Borthwick is reportedly considering a six-two split on the bench, selecting six forwards and just two specialist backs.

Such a decision would leave England with limited cover across their backline, meaning Pollock could potentially be called upon to replace either Tommy Freeman or Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing.

It would certainly represent an unusual tactical decision, but Borthwick has previously discussed the possibility of deploying Pollock in the position, highlighting his impressive speed and versatility.

Pollock’s attacking qualities were on full display during England’s 25-7 victory over Australia in November 2025, when he scored a crucial second-half try after coming off the bench.

His performance helped England secure a convincing victory over the Wallabies, and the Northampton youngster will be hoping to make another significant contribution when the sides meet again this weekend.

Borthwick Faces Important Selection Decisions

England’s injury concerns extend beyond Tom Curry, with scrum-half Alex Mitchell already ruled out of the November internationals following a hamstring injury.

Northampton fly-half Fin Smith has also been managing a calf problem, although he is reportedly expected to feature against Australia if he successfully completes his final fitness assessment.

Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs forward Greg Fisilau could be handed his senior international debut, with the 23-year-old reportedly in contention for a place among England’s replacements.

The potential inclusion of Fisilau alongside Pollock would underline Borthwick’s desire to maintain significant forward options throughout Sunday’s contest.

However, selecting six forwards on the bench would also introduce an element of risk, particularly against an Australian side possessing dangerous attacking players capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses.

England’s ability to manage the breakdown, maintain their discipline and contain Australia’s attacking threats could prove decisive as they look to begin their November home fixtures with a victory.

England Looking to Continue Winning Record Against Australia

England will enter Sunday’s contest hoping to repeat their convincing 25-7 victory over Australia at Twickenham last November.

That result saw Borthwick’s side respond positively to their dramatic 42-37 defeat against the Wallabies in 2024, when Max Jorgensen scored a late try to secure a memorable Australian victory.

The upcoming fixture also carries additional significance in the Nations Championship, with England looking to strengthen their position in the Northern Hemisphere standings before the competition’s inaugural Finals Weekend.

Following Sunday’s meeting with Australia, England will welcome Japan to Twickenham on Saturday 14th November before facing New Zealand’s All Blacks on Saturday 21st November.

With places in Borthwick’s squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup increasingly competitive, the coming weeks could provide important opportunities for players such as Ben Curry, Henry Pollock and Greg Fisilau to demonstrate their international credentials.

For supporters looking to experience England’s return to Twickenham, Eventmasters offers England v Australia hospitality packages, including premium private box experiences and pre-match hospitality at The Stoop.

England v Australia Nations Championship 2026 FAQs

When is England v Australia in the 2026 Nations Championship?

England will face Australia on Sunday 8th November 2026 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with kick-off scheduled for 3:10pm GMT. It will be England’s fourth fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship.

Why could Ben Curry start for England against Australia?

Ben Curry is reportedly the leading candidate to replace his twin brother Tom Curry, who suffered an injury during England’s preparations. The Sale Sharks forward could make his first international appearance since July 2025.

Will Henry Pollock play on the wing against Australia?

Henry Pollock is reportedly being considered as emergency wing cover should Steve Borthwick select six forwards and two backs among his replacements. The Northampton Saints flanker is expected to begin the fixture on the bench rather than start on the wing.

Who won the last England v Australia rugby match?

England defeated Australia 25-7 at Twickenham on Saturday 1st November 2025, with Henry Pollock among the try-scorers.

What are England’s remaining Nations Championship fixtures in November 2026?

England will host Australia on 8th November, Japan on 14th November and New Zealand on 21st November before participating in the Nations Championship Finals Weekend from 27th to 29th November.