article: Media playback is not supported on this device Extending their run to 19 in Ireland next weekend would secure Eddie Jones' side back-to-back Grand Slams, another feat beyond their legendary predecessors. However, they will need to win a World Cup of their own to join the 2003 team in the pantheon of English sides. Next Saturday, the current team do have the chance to do something that eluded Woodward's side in 2001 when, having beaten Scotland by 40 points, they failed in their shot at a Grand Slam as they lost in Dublin. They are not yet the finished article - and have some way to go to match the achievement of the World Cup winners - but how do they compare man to man to the greats of 2003? Whereas Josh Lewsey could alternate between the two positions, Mike Brown is definitely a full-back, not a winger. He is the classic high-ball warrior, relishing the aerial battle that is such a big part of the modern game. Ireland's Rob Kearney, Wales' Dan Biggar and New Zealand's Ben Smith are among the best in the world at fielding the ping-pong kicking exchanges, but none are better than Brown. Lewsey is a better all-rounder however. He eclipses Brown in attack with his speed, and was rock-solid in defence. His rib-breaking hit on Australia's Mat Rogers the summer before the World Cup final left his opposite number unable to surf as lying on the board was too uncomfortable. Poor Jack Nowell. Any wing in the world would suffer by this comparison because Jason Robinson had unique attacking skills. He combined the best step I have ever seen with breathtaking acceleration that would leave defenders choking on dust. Nowell has boundless energy and always wants to get his hands on the ball and take on the opposition. Still only 23, that attitude has fuelled his improvement with every game. What a contrast. Jonathan Joseph and Mike Tindall are two totally different types of players, but each perfectly fitted their eras. Tindall was direct, confrontational and strong, but he also had an eye for the pass and the ability to deliver it. He was uncompromising in attack and defence, relishing the collision with or without the ball. Joseph's most eye-catching quality is his pace and ability to pick a defence-piercing line. We saw the perfect demonstration of that in his hat-trick performance against Scotland on Saturday. His defence is more subtle than Tindall's crash-bang style, but it is equally effective. While there were differences at outside centre, the two sides' inside centres bring similar assets to the table. Will Greenwood was both a playmaker and try-scorer for the 2003 side. He was deceptively quick, picking clever lines and gobbling up the yards with his long stride. He has a superb rugby brain, and made time and space for others as well as finding holes to exploit himself. Farrell has perhaps improved more than any other player under the guidance of England coach Eddie Jones. His running with ball in hand is now a real threat to
summary: Victory against Scotland on Saturday was a world record-equalling 18th in a row for the current England team, who were already on a longer winning streak than Sir Clive Woodward's 2003 world champions - their best was 14.