Does England have resources to beat All Blacks?

A win on Saturday at Twickenham against Scotland will take England to 18 consecutive wins - a world record held by New Zealand. What is the likely result if Eddie Jones' men lock horns with back-to-back world champions All Blacks?

RECENT FORM

England's 17-match unbeaten run is the main factor leading to the comparison - another this weekend would equal New Zealand's record for tier-one teams, set across 2015 and 2016.

Since hammering Uruguay 60-3 in October 2015, England have added the scalps of Australia four times, Wales three, France and Italy twice apiece, Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

In a similar time-frame, the All Blacks have won 21 of their last 22 games dating back to August 2015 - their solitary loss coming against Ireland in Chicago last November.

Since the start of 2016, New Zealand have scored an average of 40.14 points across their 14 games, with England averaging 32.94 in two games more.

WORLD RANKING

Eddie Jones' men are second behind New Zealand after reaching 91.02 ranking points in this week's updated list, with the All Blacks out in front on 94.78. England enjoy a comfortable gap over third-placed Australia, on 86.35.

The rankings were introduced after England's World Cup win in 2003 and saw them top of the pile, New Zealand nudging ahead for a brief spell later that year before taking the lead decisively in June 2004.

They remained there until late 2007 and, after then trading top spot with South Africa until late 2009, have not budged from the summit since.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

England and New Zealand have not met since November 2014 at Twickenham and have no upcoming fixture scheduled, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison between the current sides.

New Zealand won that last meeting 24-21, their fifth straight win over England and 32nd in 40 meetings in all - England winning seven, with one draw.

For a further historical comparison, New Zealand have won three World Cup titles and reached a fourth final, with England appearing in three finals including that memorable 2003 triumph.

The All Blacks have won 14 of the 21 titles contested in the Rugby Championship and its predecessor the Tri Nations, against the might of Australia and South Africa along with recent addition Argentina.

England have won the Six Nations on five occasions since it was expanded to include Italy in 2000, and 27 of the 120 competitions in the tournament's various formats throughout history.

CONCLUSION

England are closing the gap but, without the opportunity to see the comparison played out on the pitch, the available statistics show New Zealand still out in front in world rugby - even if England match or surpass their record run in the remainder of the Six Nations .