England no closer to All Blacks - Betsen

Serge Betsen cannot envisage England pulling off another Grand Slam next month and does not think Eddie Jones’ men are any closer to threatening New Zealand’s status as the best side in the world.

Elliot Daly’s late try gave England a dramatic 21-16 victory over Wales in Cardiff last time out to stretch their winning run to 16 matches and give them a two-point advantage at the top of the Six Nations table.

England also made hard work of beating a resurgent France side on the opening weekend of the tournament and their long streak of consecutive victories look set to end at the Principality Stadium until Daly went over with time running out.

Jones’ men face Italy this Sunday before Scotland visit Twickenham and the defending champions travel to Dublin for a mouth-watering clash with Ireland on the final weekend of the tournament.

Betsen can see England winning back-to-back titles, but the former France flanker is not expecting them to repeat their feat of coming out on top in all five matches as they did last year.

“I think that England is the favourite to win the Six Nations, however I don’t think it’ll be a Grand Slam. But I think England will dominate,” said Betsen.

“It’s a different play style, but you have to say that Eddie Jones managed to create a team who can perform.”

England would break the All Blacks‘ world record of 18 consecutive wins against tier-one nations if they can complete the Grand Slam, but Betsen believes they have work to do in order to rival the world champions.

“[England] has a quite incredible record since last year, but I don’t think they are getting closer to the All Blacks,” he added.

– Betsen was among the former internationals competing in the Tournoi des 6 Stations [The 6 Stations Tournament] on the snow in the French Alps from February 13-19. For more information on the event visit www.tournoides6stations.com/anglais