England head coach Steve Borthwick makes No 8 decision for Fiji clash - with to be Ben Earl replaced in the role

England head coach Steve Borthwick is set to unleash Chandler Cunningham-South at No 8 against Fiji on Saturday as he looks to build depth at the back of the scrum.

Giant Harlequins forward Cunningham-South has won all of his 19 Test caps to date as a flanker or replacement. But he has played No 8 at club level and that is where he is poised to start this weekend, replacing Ben Earl.

On the eve of this autumn's campaign, Borthwick was hit by the news Tom Willis had turned down an offer to stay at Saracens to rejoin French club Bordeaux.

It amounted to a significant blow as Willis had become a first-choice starter at No 8 and his TOP14 move for the start of next season meant he wouldn't be available for England from that time. Borthwick quickly moved on, leaving Willis out of his November Tests squad. It was a sensible move but has left England without many viable alternatives to Earl.

That is why Borthwick is keen to see Cunningham-South – who was not involved in the 25-7 win over Australia – in that position. England will name their team for Fiji on Thursday with Borthwick sweating on the fitness of giant backs Freddie Steward and Tom Roebuck. Steward suffered a finger injury against Australia.

Roebuck – who excelled and created two tries against the Wallabies – has an ankle knock. Borthwick is keen to give both players every chance to be fit to face the Pacific Islanders.

But if the pair are deemed unavailable, a back-line reshuffle will take place. Marcus Smith is the most likely full back replacement for Steward with George Furbank and Elliot Daly absent injured.

Bath's Henry Arundell, who hasn't played for England since the 2023 World Cup after a stint with French side Racing 92, is a possible wing contender in place of Roebuck.

A final call on selection will be made after England train on Thursday morning.

'I think he is a world class full back,' England assistant coach Kevin Sinfield said of Smith, who prefers to play fly half. 'A big part of his Lions inclusion, so I am told, was down to the fact he could cover 15. He brings different skillsets to Freddie and he is different to a lot of other full-backs worldwide. But he can beat people and be that second ball player for us.

'He has got a great kicking game. He is brave. Marcus' preference – and I totally understand this – would be to play at 10. But there is an understanding people play out of position from time to time to try and get your best players on the field.

'What we're trying to do is develop some players who have versatility and who can be world-class in a number of different positions. The fact Marcus can do both is great.

'He's got magical feet. He can spin, swerve, jinx, chip kick. He's got a real bag of tricks. He offers something different to a lot of other full-backs. There's an understanding also that when Marcus plays at full-back, he probably has to carry a bit more.'

Wales have confirmed their star Bristol wing Louis Rees-Zammit is back in full training and available to feature in their autumn opener with Argentina in Cardiff on Sunday.

Rees-Zammit returned to rugby this summer after a stint in the USA playing NFL. He immediately scored a trademark try on his PREM Rugby debut against Leicester. But on October 4, he suffered a foot injury a Saracens and hasn't played since. It is likely however, that Rees-Zammit will return to action this weekend.

It will be his first Wales appearance since the 2023 World Cup as well as new head coach Steve Tandy's first game in charge.

'Louis is fit for selection,' said Wales assistant Danny Wilson. 'We've got a fit and healthy squad. It gives us quite an exciting challenge in how best to select the team for the games moving forwards. Louis progressed back last week and he's had a full training week this week. There are a few boxes to tick, but he's moving in the right direction.'