If the All Blacks and England continue to dominate their rugby horizons, anticipation will surge about their square-off-late next year at the earliest.
Former hooker Brian Moore is one critic who thinks England have bridged the gap from potential to a genuine threat to the All Blacks global supremacy.
England have risen to No 2 in the rankings after their away series win against the Wallabies which was confirmed by an unyielding discipline in attitude and defence.
A number of England's reworked squad have excelled and would win selection in a composite All Black/England mix from the tests we have seen in June.
Some players like Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Owen Farrell have switched roles but we can pick them in their best position while others like Aaron Cruden have been injured or like Malakai Fekitoa subbed early.
