How do England compare against the All Blacks

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton said earlier in the RBS 6 Nations that "it's a fair judgement to compare (England) to the All Blacks right now - that's how good they are".

Following Saturday's 61-21 win over Scotland, Press Association Sport takes a statistical look at how England measure up to the world's best.

RECENT FORM

England's record-equalling 18-game unbeaten run - matching New Zealand's record for tier-one teams, set across 2015 and 2016 - is the main factor leading to the comparison.

Since hammering Uruguay 60-3 in October 2015, England have added the scalps of Australia four times, Wales three, France, Scotland and Italy twice apiece, 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 to end their own 18-match sequence.

Since the start of 2016, New Zealand have scored an average of 40.14 points across their 14 games, with England playing three games more and averaging 33.

WORLD RANKING

Eddie Jones' men are second behind New Zealand, having reached 91.02 ranking points prior to the Scotland game, 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.

Victory over Scotland secured England's sixth Six Nations title since the entry of Italy in 2000, and 28th in 121 editions of the competition in its various formats throughout history.

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.

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.

England's claim would be strengthened, though, should they beat Ireland for a second successive slam and a new record.