Dwyer told The Rugby Paper that England's inability to counter Italy's no-ruck tactics last weekend in their Six Nations contest was amongst the hard evidence to show why he took that view.

Dwyer supported the Italian tactic and said there was no need for a law change. He believed England coach Eddie Jones' critical post-game comments were probably the result of anger at the poor grasp of the laws in the England camp.

"I don't understand why players don't understand the laws – that's got me stumped.

"What I don't understand also is a lack of respect for teams playing within the law, especially when so many teams who play outside the law, and get a grudging respect for it. Yet, when a team try to play in a thoughtful, intelligent way [like Italy] they get criticised. It's astonishing," he said.

Dwyer said it would have taken the All Blacks one or two tackles to sort the matter out.

Not rucking was a dangerous choice because it left areas unguarded.

"Against a team like New Zealand – where every player is schooled to keep going forward interminably, and to do it with urgency – if you don't have people in behind the tackle they will hit through it so hard and fast that they rip you apart," he said.

When looking at how England would fare against the All Blacks, he backed the New Zealanders.

"It might depend on home advantage because England tend to get the rub of the green at Twickenham, but right now I'd back New Zealand. They have got more players, especially through the Pacific Island connection, with footwork, agility and acceleration to open up defences – and as soon as they get in behind, you are in serious trouble.



The boys have been working hard in camp this week, getting ready for the next challenge...#ENGvSCO ?? pic.twitter.com/X9r9S9HHot— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) March 5, 2017

"With New Zealand there is no old-fashioned scrum-half play where they take their time to get set before launching the next wave of an attack. They are mad dogs, and are working to get into a position to expose you. They might open up the English defence if the referee insists on fast ball and they can't slow it down," he said.

On a player-by-player comparison New Zealand had the advantage in most areas.

"Brodie Retallick is more effective and damaging than any of the England locks. Jerome Kaino is a very good blindside and although Maro Itoje is promising he would have to be at his very best to be his equal.

"Are Ben Youngs or Danny Care as good scrum-halves as Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, or Tawera Kerr-Barlow? Probably not. Is Beauden Barrett a better 10 than George Ford? Yes. Mike Brown and Ben Smith are both pretty good full-backs, but Smith is that bit better. The England midfield is coming on well, but you wouldn't want to line up Owen Farrell one-on-one against Malakai Fekitoa," he said.

Dwyer added that if England were to equal New Zealand's 18-match winning streak it would be an outstanding effort but not playing the All Blacks in that was significant.