England miss out on top spot

England's unbeaten Twickenham run has failed to earn Clive Woodward's team the world No 1 ranking with New Zealand clinching that honour at the end of 2001.

England defeated Australia, Romania and South Africa on three successive Saturdays but missed out on facing New Zealand, who were in Europe at the same time.

When the teams meet next November it will be three years since their 1999 Rugby World Cup clash.

England are second in the Zurich world rankings and could clinch top spot during the Six Nations Championship when the All Blacks are inactive.

Rugbymail.co.uk