Eddie Jones will decline the opportunity to pick Sam Underhill in his RBS 6 Nations squad announced on Friday morning even though he views the Bath-bound flanker as available for selection.

Jones' back row options have been depleted by injuries to Chris Robshaw and Billy Vunipola, while James Haskell's recent comeback from foot surgery was aborted after 35 seconds due to concussion.

A possible reinforcement is 20-year-old Underhill, an openside of rich potential who is being mentored by World Cup winner Richard Hill but has made only 24 appearances for the Ospreys.

Jones insists Underhill's forthcoming move to Bath means he can be picked by England - Twickenham allows the selection of players based outside of the Aviva Premiership only in exceptional circumstances - but he believes this RBS 6 Nations has arrived too early in his career.

"Sam is available now - he wants to play for an English club and has signed for one," Jones said.

"If we wanted to force the issue we could, but at this stage we'll probably look at considering him for the summer tour to Argentina because he hasn't done enough."

Jones will keep faith with the players who completed an unbeaten 2016 consisting of 13 successive Test wins when he names his 34-man squad for the Championship.

Ellis Genge could be drafted in to add cover at loosehead prop, but with Jones insistent that Joe Marler might yet be fit for the opener against France on February 4, the Leicester front row may not be needed.

"You're always looking for extra talent, new talent," Jones said.

England player ratings vs Australia Show all 15 1 /15 England player ratings vs Australia England player ratings vs Australia Mike Brown 7 – out of 10 He made a good turnover and a crucial tackle on Folau to deny the full-back from putting Australia further ahead. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Marland Yarde 8 – out of 10 Good pace and kept Haylett-Petty on his toes throughout and did brilliantly to touch the ball down for his try. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Jonathan Joseph 8 – out of 10 Excellent turn of pace to latch onto Farrell’s kick and score his first try and a lovely little kick to set up Yarde’s. Great opportunism for his second too. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Owen Farrell – 7 out of 10 Defensive hesitancy on his own try-line very nearly cost England a try, which they conceded anyway from the resulting scrum. Quick thinking for Joseph’s try though and perfect from the tee. Beaten too easily for Kepu’s try. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Jonny May – 6 out of 10 Didn’t see much of the ball throughout the game and needed to feed on scraps. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia George Ford – 7 out of 10 Lost concentration with an early knock on which very nearly led to a second Australian try but redeemed himself with some good running Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Ben Youngs – 9 out of 10 A threat around the scrum and showed some genius for his try with his sublime quick thinking. Front runner for the Lions now? Getty Images, England player ratings vs Australia Mako Vunipola – 6 out of 10 England struggled to get him into the game but was strong in the scrum. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Dylan Hartley – 7 out of 10 Won a couple of key turnovers and was full of energy around the pitch. Faultless at the lineout too. Getty Images, England player ratings vs Australia Dan Cole – 6 out of 10 Troubled in the scrum initially but soon found his footing and didn’t have any of the problems Cheika predicted. AFP/Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Courtney Lawes – 7 out of 10 A couple of powerful runs and strong in the tackle after getting over a tough start. Made a great steal at the lineout to launch another attack. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia George Kruis – 6 out of 10 Did well at the lineout but was outshone in the first half as Australia had three tries chalked off. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Chris Robshaw – 7 out of 10 Not in the same impressive form he has shown over the last three internationals but improved massively in the second half. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Tom Wood – 7 out of 10 Won a line out well when England we under pressure but was pinged for a high tackle which gave Australia an opportunity to level in the first half. Getty Images England player ratings vs Australia Nathan Hughes – 7 out of 10 A real danger when given the space to get his speed up. A positive showing from the No 8 but England still missed Billy Vunipola at the start. Getty Images

"I was out in Argentina last week. I came back in Sunday morning and watched 11 games, trying to catch up with where each player is. I'm always looking for that X factor player.

"There's a couple of young guys coming through, whether they'll be right for this Six Nations I don't know, but there are some good young players out there."