England coach Eddie Jones admits he should have blooded new players during this year’s Six Nations.

England finished fifth on the log after consecutive losses to Scotland, France and Ireland, while a number of their first-choice players were sidelined by injury.

Jones, in an interview with Sky Sports, says he should have rested some of his players who were included in the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, adding that the upcoming June Test series against the Springboks is a perfect opportunity to do so.

‘I think I should have refreshed the side. We have had a very consistent side for a period of time and when there is success, you always want to protect that success.

‘I should have probably brought some fresh blood in, sharpened things up and we have the opportunity in South Africa to do that because we have up to 20 players unavailable through injury so that will write itself naturally.’

England will be without captain Dylan Hartley, centre Jonathan Joseph, locks George Kruis and Courtney Lawes, No 8 Nathan Hughes and wing Anthony Watson for the three-Test series.

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