The All Blacks no longer enjoy the top perch in tier-one rugby, following England’s rough treatment of Scotland in Six Nations play. England coach Eddie Jones’ squad put up basketball numbers in a 61 – 21 victory at Twickenham, leaving the kilt-and-single-malt side Scots far in England’s wake.
The Brits and the New Zealanders are now tied at 18 straight wins each and all that stands between England and a new record is Ireland in Dublin.
If that feat is accomplished, they will secure a second straight Grand Slam, something done only five other times. From there, it is a chance to knock the All Blacks from the top spot.
The Brits made best possible advantage of being the hosts, with Jonathan Joseph producing a try hat trick, with the other four of the seven total going to teammates.
It was the highest point total the Brits have ever produced against their oldest international rival Scotland and the 40-point margin in the Six Nations fixture was the largest in almost two decades.
Pre-match braggadocio was at a fever pitch in the Scot camp prior to the actual game after they were impressive in victories over Ireland and Wales, but they overlooked the fact that at Twickenham, they have not won since 1983, 34 years by our count.