Injuries inevitable, warns Jones

EDDIE JONES believes his patched-up England squad is a sign of what’s to come in the next year after having to delve deep into the reserves to form his side that will take on South Africa tomorrow.

While the Springboks named a side that has just two caps more to its starting XV than the one Jones announced, it’s in the pack where the biggest difference will be felt as an underpowered England eight hold 128 appearances fewer than their opponents.

That’s due to Jones being unable to call on seven England regulars, with Mako and Billy Vunipola, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Chris Robshaw injured, Joe Marler retired and Nathan Hughes suspended. But despite their injury crisis, Jones believes it is something he will have to get used to.

““It’s the deepest we’ve had to dig,” the head coach said of the injury crisis. “I don’t think there is such a thing as a fully fit squad anymore. The only time we will have any chance of getting our best team together, I 100 per cent know now, is when we get together on July 8 for the World Cup. That will be the only time we get everyone right.

“Otherwise we are just going to be picking players out from here, there and everywhere to try to get through the next period of time. That’s the reality of rugby – particularly up here.” (© Independent News Service)