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Former British and Irish Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan believes England are two years behind world champions New Zealand
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This is despite England’s 3-0 series whitewash of Australia down under this summer
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Eddie Jones has transformed the Red Rose, with nine straight wins
Former British and Irish Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan believes England are two years behind world champions New Zealand despite their 3-0 series whitewash of Australia.
Eddie Jones men completed a series whitewash in Australia with victory in a pulsating 44-40 win in the third and final Test in Sydney on Saturday.
It was England’s biggest ever points total against the Wallabies, and earned them the first 3-0 series win by a touring side in Australia since South Africa in 1971.
“There is no doubt that England have been absolutely outstanding in winning 3-0 in Australia,” wrote Sir Ian McGeechan in his column in the Sunday Telegraph.
“It is a magnificent achievement, but the truth is that they are still some distance behind New Zealand.
“In fact, I would say they are two years behind the world champions.”
McGeechan has encouraged England to work on getting the ball wide and to recognise mismatches quicker.
“I think that in two years’ time Jones will be looking to have found an influx of speed, accuracy and intent that can be put into England’s game so that they have the numbers in the outside channels to do some serious damage,” he added.
“It is not inherent in the players. Jones is going to have to put it there and give them an England mindset that grows every time they come together.
“England are clearly above Australia and South Africa now, Ireland have made history and Scotland, despite not overly impressing, have won two Test matches, but New Zealand are still some way out on top.”