England rugby boss Steve Borthwick is facing a series of injury concerns ahead of the team's Nations Championship opener against Australia on Sunday. Key players, including fly-half Fin Smith and scrum-half Alex Mitchell, are doubtful due to calf and other injuries sustained recently. Smith is dealing with calf trouble, while Mitchell left Northampton’s victory over Gloucester on Saturday with a limp. Hooker Kepu Tuipulotu remains sidelined after injuring his knee during England’s training camp last week. Additionally, backup scrum-half Archie McParland is also nursing a calf issue.

Borthwick is expected to announce a 33-man squad on Monday ahead of a team meeting in Bagshot later the same day. He has publicly urged his players to improve their discipline, highlighting a troubling pattern of penalties that have hampered England’s performances. Since the start of 2026, the team has received 14 yellow cards and one red card, issued to Henry Arundell, across just eight matches.

The head coach stressed the importance of attacking play to reduce defensive pressure, which he believes often leads to unfavorable decisions from referees under the current interpretation of the rules. “We spend too much time defending and the way the interpretations are right now, there is likely to be a decision that goes against you,” Borthwick said, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt tactically to avoid further disciplinary sanctions.

As England prepares to face the Wallabies, Borthwick’s focus remains on balancing fitness concerns with a strategic shift designed to mitigate the risk of further infractions, aiming to enhance the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming Nations Championship.