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Cape Town - As he prepares his team for a three-Test series in South Africa, England coach Eddie Jones admits he has a few regrets from their matches earlier in the year.
England had a miserable Six Nations, finishing fifth after consecutive losses to Scotland, France and Ireland.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Jones said should have rested some of his players who were included in the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.
He added that the series against the Springboks would now be 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,” Jones said.
“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 right itself naturally.”
Some of the injured players England will be without in South Africa include captain Dylan Hartley, centre Jonathan Joseph, locks George Kruis and Courtney Lawes, No 8 Nathan Hughes and wing Anthony Watson.
The first Test is scheduled for Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 9, followed by Tests in Bloemfontein (Free State Stadium, June 16) and Cape Town (Newlands, June 23).
