Rugby: Todd Blackadder believes England has more talent than New Zealand

Todd Blackadder, Bath Director of Rugby looks on before the Aviva Premiership match between Harlequins and Bath. Photo / Getty Images

After spending time on the English rugby scene, former Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder believes that England has a deeper rugby talent pool than New Zealand.

The former All Blacks captain has been the director of rugby for Aviva Premiership team Bath since early this year, with his former Crusaders assistant Tabai Matson taking the reins as head coach at the club.

The pair have since turned the club's fortunes around, leading the team to 10 wins through their first 12 games to start their 2016-17 campaign.

Bath, now home to former Crusaders Kahn Fotuali'i, Daniel Bowden and Robbie Fruean, are currently third on the Premiership ladder and have won their opening two European Rugby Champions Cup matches.

"I thought I'd be coming into a broken team but it hasn't felt like that," Blackadder told The Guardian.

"You've got so much talent in this country, more so than we have in New Zealand. I'm not saying they're better players but there's such a huge talent pool. These guys would play Super Rugby no problem at all."

Blackadder and Matson have been able to lead the Bath resurgence despite being hit hard with injuries and star players not being available due to their international commitments.

England first five-eighth George Ford and centre Jonathan Joseph will not line up for the team's next Challenge Cup fixture against the Cardiff Blues, and Wales flanker Taulupe Faletau is also likely to miss the match.

Blackadder, described by Guardian writer Robert Kitson as "the ultimate grafter", credited his attitude towards coaching and ability to get the best out of players to some of the set-backs in his life.

"I've been in many situations where the stars haven't quite aligned but it hasn't stopped me persevering," he told The Guardian.

"There are no guarantees in life. There's no rule that says you're going to win anything. You've got earn it. Potential only takes you so far. At some stage someone is going to turn up who's prepared to work harder than you.

"If you've had your ass kissed your whole life, you're going to find it bloody tough when the tough get going."

Blackadder also said former All Blacks Richie McCaw and Dan Carter played key roles in his development as a coach.

Blackadder was a 12-test All Black and was head coach of the Crusaders from 2009 until this year.