England boss hails efforts of new-look side

ARGENTINA 34 ENGLAND 38

England coach Eddie Jones described it as one of the best team efforts he has been associated with after his side came from 31-23 down in dramatic fashion to snatch a 38-34 win over Argentina in San Juan.

Replacement fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez thought he had won the first Test in San Juan for the Pumas with his drop goal that broke the deadlock at 31-31 but replacement winger Denny Solomona, one of 10 new caps, went over for the match-winning try in the final minute.

“I thought it was an incredible game of rugby,” Jones said. “I thought for our guys to win that was a tremendous effort.

“In the end I think we had 10 new caps on there.

“When you are playing a full-strength Argentina team, I think it is one of the best team efforts I have been associated with.”

Fly-half George Ford contributed 23 points with a try and seven goals from eight attempts. USA 19 IRELAND 55 Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt hailed his five new caps following Saturday’s ninetry rout of the US Eagles in New Jersey.

Despite missing 11 frontline players on Lions duty, the visitors had far too much firepower for their American opponents as Schmidt handed Test debuts to Jacob Stockdale, Dave Heffernan, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Rory Scannell.

Ulster wing Stockdale scored a try just 15 minutes into his first Ireland outing while Leinster lock Ryan raced over for a try barely a minute after he replaced Quinn Roux on the hour mark.

“I think just watching some of the young players work their way into the group they will have learnt a huge amount from this experience,” said Schmidt.

“Five new caps, that’s exciting for us. It’s really exciting for them.

Eddie Jones: ‘best team efforts’