England are prepared for backlash in Argentina
England coach Eddie Jones has told his makeshift squad to stay focused as they try to completeaserieswhitewash of Argentina.
Denied the services of 30 players due to injury, suspension and Lions calls, Jones handed out ten new caps for Saturday’s first Test in San Juan and was delighted with their contribution to a 38-34 victory.
Rugby league convert Denny Solomona snatched the win with a last-minute try.
Jones, who could introduce yet more new faces for the second and final Test in Santa Fe this weekend, with eight more untried players in his 32-strong squad, said: “We know Argentina are going to respond. We have got to treat this like a loss and make sure we have the same intent to improve from the last game.”
Elsewhere, Jacob Stockdale, Dave Heffernan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Rory Scannell all made their debuts in Ireland’s 55-19, nine-try victory over the US Eagles, while South Africa were too strong for France as they recorded a 37-14 victory at Loftus Versfeld.
Australia kicked off their international season with a 37-14 win over Fiji in Melbourne. Israel Folau and Henry Speight scored two tries each as the Wallabies geared up to play Scotland on Saturday.