Eddie Jones insists England must stick together despite describing Saturday's 23-12 defeat in the second Test against against South Africa in Bloemfontein that ended their hopes of salvaging the series as a "horror movie".
The fifth Test defeat in a row for Jones's side was marred in controversy as BenYoungs apologised for storming out of a post-match television interview while Joe Marler and Mike Brown were involved in an angry exchange of words with South African supporters.
England's plight has worsened with news that two props, Mako Vunipola and Ellis Genge, are returning back home. Vunipola, who has started both Tests, is a pre-arranged move to attend the birth of his child, while Genge incurred a knee injury in training during the week. Exeter Chiefs' Alec Hepburn will join the squad in Durban.
Jones admitted that the pressure was mounting on his side after equalling the losing streak of 2014 under Stuart Lancaster as they once again let a first-half two-try lead slip following the 42-39 defeat in Johannesburg.
Owen Farrell looks on with George Ford, Joe Launchbury and Nathan Hughes. Photo / Getty Images
"It was a bit like a horror movie wasn't it?" said Jones. "Almost a re-run of last week. We made errors in different areas of the game today. We're trying to work out a solution of why we did that.
"It's a tough period at the minute. No-one likes to lose five games in a row. We have been through an exceptional period and now we're going through this tough period. Player and coaches putting in plenty of effort but for some reason just not handling key moments of the game well.
"We are a bit like a broken car at the moment - we fix one thing and then something else breaks. Sometimes you go through these periods – this is a tough time for the team we are all hurting. players, coaches, I'm hurting we have to keep at it and find a solution and we will.
"An England side is always under pressure whether you're winning or losing. you're always under pressure.
"It's just about sticking together, understanding what you can improve and the emotions of the situation and if we do that we will get out of it."
Willie le Roux of South Africa leads their celebrations after their victory. Photo / Getty Images
Youngs meanwhile apologised for his post-match reaction when he ended an interview with Sky Sports, the rights holders, after just 10 seconds.
Sir Clive Woodward was highly critical of Youngs' response and the England scrum-half later took to social media to apologise.
"Just wanted to say sorry I walked off during my interview with Sky Sports," Youngs wrote. "Obviously was very emotional and disappointed with result. Good to chat to Gail (Davies, the Sky Sports reporter) second time round just now. We go again in Cape Town. Thank you everyone."
Billy Vunipola is a doubt for next Saturday's third Test in Cape Town after picking up an arm injury amid concerns that he may have aggravated the injury which sidelined him for long periods of the last year.
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