Eddie Jones: England stronger for losing series 2-1 in South Africa
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union

England boss Eddie Jones says his side are in a "stronger position" despite the series defeat by South Africa as they build towards the 2019 World Cup.
England lost the series 2-1 after beating the Springboks 25-10 in the final Test at Newlands on Saturday.
Jones said his senior players stepped up to prevent a series whitewash and end England's five-Test losing run.
"They were some of our best players and in the previous games they've been at fault at times," he told BBC Sport.
The Australian picked out captain Owen Farrell, forwards Joe Marler, Chris Robshaw and Joe Launchbury, winger Mike Brown and scrum-half Ben Youngs as having "handled big moments much better" in the final Test.
"That's what's called experience," he added. "That comes from playing together and the leadership group being bedded down.
"I thought our senior players today were absolutely outstanding."
The 58-year-old believes the lost series will benefit his England squad in the long run, with new players such as Tom Curry, Harry Williams and Henry Slade having impressed on tour.
"I think it's actually put us in a stronger position," he said. "It's been an absolutely important part to renew the side.
"Williams, Curry, Slade have all come through and all played in the biggest Test matches and have all shown themselves capable of playing in the World Cup, so it's been a great period for us, albeit the results have been disappointing."
'We've created history'

England had never won a Test - or even scored a try - at Newlands in Cape Town before Saturday, and Jones insisted the game was never going to be a "dead-rubber", despite already having lost the series to the Springboks.
"We have to win every Test," he said. "The expectation is that we win every Test. So that wasn't exacerbated by the run we've had, but certainly you need your senior players to show the way.
"We've created history. They are the first group of players from England to ever win at Newlands, which is one of the greatest rugby grounds in the world."
Farrell scored 20 points with the boot, but it was the vision of Danny Cipriani and the finishing prowess of Jonny May to score England's only try that caught the coach's attention.
"May has had an exceptional tour," said Jones. "He's proved himself a really top-class winger. Scored three tries and probably had a hand in three others.
"We mentioned Cipriani might have the ability to take the opportunity, which he did. He saw the space, put a well-weighted kick in and the chase was fantastic."
'We want to be the best in the world'

England will regroup in November for Test matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia, when Jones expects to have a number of injured and rested players available again.
"Every Test is tough for England," he said. "It's a difficult environment coaching England, but I love it. This week I have enjoyed the challenge of getting a side back in a winning position.
"We want to be the best team in the world and you have to go through these periods to find out things about yourself, we have done that. Now we want to kick on.
"You put together the players that are missing with this group of players and the competition we are going to have, we are going to have a very strong team."
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Marler is better in the gruntier games.
Hughes isn’t a Test 8 at the moment.
We can’t buidl a team around Billy.
Ford & Slade too small in first XV together.
Mako and Itoje give away too many Pens.
May is becoming a very rounded player.
Curry is excellent.
We missed a chance for Robson, Simmonds, and a few others to get some experience.
Now the only thing that matters is the world cup and losing a few matches is a worthwhile price to pay.
I can't work out why the media isn't questioning his ability and leadership.
He kicks some goals, but what else does he bring to the party? Missed tackles, braindead decisions, flying out of the line and a gobby attitude.
It seems EJ is building a team around a square peg in a round hole.
Get the best 10 in, follow that with the best 12!
However I’m not convinced yet.
We were supposed to be no:2 side in the World by now, hot on the heels on NZ according to the plan you had EJ.
Seems like a wasted tour overall to me, little blooding of players, flogging of main players, with only 1 win against changed team.
I’ll wait until after the AI to see where we are before judgement
@19 - agree as well, I think EJ needs some
Humility at times, he should admit that his selections of squads has been erratic at times, and his decision to not train at altitude put England in a tough spot to win the tests. In addition, if he thinks Slade has been impressive, then I think he needs his eyes tested- I am a massive fan of Slade but he was poor!
Massive Congrats to Scotland. It’s great to see us win away against an Argentina side with Super Rugby and RC experience. A tough nut to crack, but we did in style. Well done boys.
OK then!
Since 2016 to date we have a win ratio of nearly 80% that doesn't come by luck but with skill passion & a good coach & a proven system
Well done to the Irish & the Scots they won with dignity & the future is bright for these home nations
The players know this, the management need to get to grips with it soon, otherwise they risk alienating half the players on tour!!!
Robshaw and Curry honourable mentions along with May and Brown who everyone wants to write off apart from his team-mates.