Who's the best? We won't know until 2018 - Steve Tew

Kiwi fans are craving a matchup between Eddie Jones' England and Steve Hansen's All Blacks, but they'll have to wait until 2018 to get their fix. Photo / Photosport

Who's the best team in world rugby right now?

That might seem like a no brainer for some Kiwis, but with England beating Australia this morning, the argument's got a little less clear.

England's 13 wins from 13 tests this year was the first time they've had an undefeated season during the professional era.

Meanwhile the All Blacks dropped one against Ireland to go 13 from 14.

But those are just records, and the only way to know for sure is to have the two teams face each other.

Unfortunately for us, that's not going to happen until at least 2018, says New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew.

"We've got a huge year for our team next year with three games in Europe already locked and loaded," Tew told Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch.

But with the 2017 Lions Tour and another demanding Super Rugby season ahead, Tew has confirmed there is absolutely zero chance England will appear on that list - and zero chance the All Blacks will get the opportunity to shut Eddie Jones up.

"We'll take that all into account early in the new year and finalise a fourth game but it won't be England, no."

He also confirmed the All Blacks would not be playing any matches before the Lions Tour next year.

But Miles Harrison, one of the leading commentators for British rugby, doesn't think we need that fixture to answer the question at all.

He has no doubt - the All Blacks are by far the best team in the world, and England would admit it.

"Globally, there is no doubt in my mind, New Zealand are there still to be chased down, they are still outright number one," he said.

"New Zealand have been the better team, England will totally and utterly accept that.

"There was the blip for New Zealand in Chicago, but that also points to how good of a team Ireland are."

The three matches confirmed for next year include Wales, Scotland and France.