Thursday 7 November 2019 11:41, UK
Sir Clive Woodward says his 2003 World Cup-winning England side are better than Eddie Jones' class of 2016.
Jones' team won every single game them they played in 2016, the Australian's first year in charge of the team since taking over from Stuart Lancaster.
Woodward can see a number of striking similarities with his team in 2003, but says there remain three key differences.
"1 - When the 2003 team were in their pomp I feel the pack was more intimidating and dominant," he wrote in his Daily Mail column.
"There was no messing about with that England pack and unless we ran into a referee who took objection to our scrummaging we were totally dominant. The class of 2016 have not yet reached that level but they have the potential and this is an area they will be working on constantly.
"2 - Versatility. By the time England reached the 2003 World Cup they could win every way. We could play nine, 10 -man rugby, 15-man rugby or a mixture in the same match. Wet ball, dry ball, mud, hard ground, altitude, hostile crowds, nothing fazed the class of 2003.
"The class of 2016 are not quite as experienced yet but many will be on the Lions tour next summer and that will aid their rugby education.
"3 - In 2003 England were the fittest team in the world bar none. In 2016 England are very fit - but New Zealand are still fitter."
