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Jones excited by England's potential after Argentina whitewash
By Alex Fisher
Eddie Jones believes the future is bright for England after his inexperienced side completed a 2-0 series whitewash over Argentina on Saturday.
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With many of Jones’ key players on British and Irish Lions duty in New Zealand, England’s touring party had a host of new faces to compete against the Pumas.
A thrilling 38-34 victory in the opening match in San Juan gave England a confidence boost and they wrapped up the series in Santa Fe with a 35-25 triumph.
Prop Will Collier – playing in only his second international – scored the decisive try on Saturday, with George Ford showing his experience with a host of crucial kicks.
Jones was delighted with his side’s display against a combative Argentina and sees plenty of potential for the future.
From near and far, thank you for your support. A tough place to bring a young side, the boys have done themselves proud ??#WearTheRose
— Dylan Hartley (@DylanHartley) June 18, 2017
“It’s a great achievement and I am very pleased for the team and pleased for the young players,” said Jones.
“I am pleased that they all have a bit more growth in them and now it’s a chance to move forward.
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“We’ve got to try and fit 61 players into a 45 man Elite Player Squad, so that’s the next thing I will be trying to do.
“A few guys have done really well. Harry Williams, Charlie Ewels, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill at openside flanker, Mark Wilson has proved himself to be a very competent player. In the back-line Piers Francis and Alex Lozowski are worth looking at, also Denny Solomona.
“Nathan Earle didn’t play but we will keep looking at him as well.
“We wanted to win 2-0 and then to have a number of young players come through really well is great for us.”
Two weeks, two thrilling Test matches…
Thank you @lospumas for having us in Argentina ? pic.twitter.com/bk2QIp8PH1
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) June 18, 2017
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Jones also had high praise for the experienced heads within his squad who helped the fresher faces settle in and secure an impressive series win.
He added: “I thought [Chris] Robshaw and [Mike] Brown were absolutely exceptional. They showed why they are 50-cap Test players.
“And Ford was brilliant. His was not a great attacking game today. He had to find a way. Kicking that field goal at the end was tactically brilliant.”
