England are the top side in Six Nations says O’Shea

ENGLAND may have missed out on Grand Slam glory in World Cup year but they are still the most likely Northern Hemisphere winners of the Webb Ellis Cup.

However, Italy boss Conor O’Shea, whose side were “run over” by the men in white at Twickenham last weekend, insists it is crucial that Billy Vunipola stays fit if Eddie Jones’ men are to emulate the 2003 side when they fly out to Japan at the end of the summer.

O’Shea would naturally love to see his home country lift the trophy and he still firmly believes Ireland are in very good shape to give it a real go despite Joe Schmidt’s team falling to that opening Six Nations home defeat to England.

But the former Harlequins boss claims: “If I had to pick one of the Northern Hemisphere teams who could potentially win the World Cup it would have to be England, followed by Ireland.

“It’s a close thing between the two sides as we witnessed in Dublin but man for man I would just feel that England edge it, especially in their backs.”

Eddie Jones has utilised his big ball-carriers during the tournament and with more game time together, O’Shea believes they have a good blend between pace and power.

“The likes of Manu Tuilagi and Ben Te’o can smash through the line and then Jonny May, Elliot Daly, Jack Nowell and others supply the pace and skill,” O’Shea added.

“They are fortunate to have so many options in the backs, and the same goes for the forwards.

“Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Kyle Sinckler, Nathan Hughes, they are all huge ball carriers who take a lot of stopping. Again, England have so much powerful ammunition in that department.

“Those guys also combine muscle with ball handling skills. If England have all their players fit they will be a tough team to halt come the World Cup.” Mako Vunipola has missed much of the tournament through injury, while his brother Billy, left, and Tuilagi, are finally enjoying a run in the side after their share of injuries. “We all know how injuries can make such a difference to a side’s dynamics,” O’Shea said. “Billy Vunipola is a massive player for them and they will be praying he is fit and firing for the start in Japan. He is world class and you would rather be on his side than having to face him.

“In my view, England are the best side in the Six Nations. They are an unbelievable side. They have so many players who can do damage with their strength and power – they can run over you.

“We were overwhelmed by them but they also did a job on Ireland and France, and should have really beaten Wales but for freezing in the second half.”