Jones picks May, Curry as positives in Boks series

Coach Eddie Jones has picked wing Jonny May and young loose-forward Tom Curry as the standout performers on England’s tour of South Africa that ended with a consolation 25-10 victory at Newlands on Saturday.

The Springboks won the series 2-1, but were out-thought by England in wet and windy conditions in the final Test to end the five-match losing streak that had put pressure on Jones a little over a year out from the World Cup.

May scored a late try in the corner after an excellent crossfield kick from fly-half Danny Cipriani, his third of the series and a 17th in 37 tests.

“Jonny May has been outstanding all tour, he’s been incredible. He scored three tries and was involved in at least two or three others,” Jones said.

The coach was also pleased with the development of Curry, who was given a baptism of fire against a muscular Bok pack.

“Young Tom Curry, he has played three Test matches on the hop against probably the biggest and most physical pack in the world,” Jones said.

“He has probably played more Test matches than he has Premiership rugby, so he has got a lot of potential that boy.” Jones also had a word of praise for returning flanker Chris Robshaw, who was dropped for the second test defeat in Bloemfontein, but was forced back into the side by illness to New Zealand-born loose-forward Brad Shields.

“I was glad to see Robshaw play so well today, he had been out of form and I thought he bounced back and showed real leadership,” Jones added.

Jones said he thought the series was a good advert for international rugby and after a 42-39 loss in Johannesburg, when the tourists led 24-3 after 17 minutes, said it was well contested.