Wayne Smith helped guide New Zealand to the 2011 World Cup © Getty Images

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England would be a better side had they brought Wayne Smith on board, according to former Springboks and Italy coach Nick Mallett.

When Martin Johnson left his role as England coach in the wake of the turbulent 2011 Rugby World Cup, Mallett was a forerunner to succeed him. But he watched on as Stuart Lancaster took the job on an interim basis and knew the minute England saw off Ireland 30-9 Lancaster had the post on a permanent basis.

But Mallett feels England would be playing a better style of rugby had he got the job, predominantly as he had persuaded Smith to join him as part of his coaching team.

"I don't think England are missing anything in not having me as a head coach, but I do think England has missed not having Wayne Smith," Mallett told The Times. "He and I were keen to do it together and he really is world-class. The All Blacks have just brought him back into their set-up because they rate him so highly. He is a brilliant coach.

"There would have been a lot more fluidity and cutting edge to the England attack. Perhaps with a guy like Wayne Smith coaching, Owen Farrell wouldn't be as wooden as he is sometimes with the ball in hand.

"There would be clarity about the way in which England play in the back line. He coaches attack by manipulating the opposition defence, he coaches players to read the space and take better decisions on the field. He understands defence, he understands attack, he understands the timing of a pass and the distribution of forwards and backs across the field.

"A big point of difference with the New Zealand forwards is that they can all pass like centres, they are multi-skilled, and that is what he would have brought to this England side."