As the race for the All Blacks' No.10 jersey heats up, incumbent Richie Mo'unga has opened up on the three-way battle between himself, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
Less than a week out from the Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Mendoza, speculation over the exact make-up over the first All Blacks lineup of the year is rife.
Mo'unga is widely expected to keep hold of the All Blacks' first-five position, but stiff competition from McKenzie and Barrett during Super Rugby Pacific gives coach Ian Foster a choice to make.
However, McKenzie and Barrett - alongside the uncapped Shaun Stevenson - will spend the week also contending for selection to play at fullback, with uncertainty over who will wear No.15 on Sunday.
In all likelihood, one of the trio will start at No.10, a second at No.15, with the third to be named on the bench wearing No.22.
Regardless of who is selected where, though, 29-year-old Mo'unga says the trio will continue to work to get the best out of each other.
"We're in an environment where it's high performance," said Mo'unga. "You just want to push each other.
"We all demand that of each other. We wouldn't be doing the team justice or doing each other right if you weren't trying or competing.
"When you know you've done that, it's out of your hands and you're happy for whatever decision the coach has made.
"You might have a little sulk if you don't get the jersey, and then it's over.
"You focus on what's best for the team, what does the team need me to do if I'm in the No.10 jersey, or not even in the 23."
Sunday's season opener could also see fresh blood instilled into the All Blacks' ranks.
Aside from Stevenson, who was a late call-up after initially missing the squad, five other newbies are in Foster's squad.
Cam Roigard of the Hurricanes, Chiefs duo Emoni Narawa and Samipeni Finau and Crusaders pair Dallas McLeod and Tamaiti Williams are all in contention for a maiden test cap.
For a seasoned member of the side like Mo'unga, importance has gone into making sure the first-timers are comfortable in their new surroundings.
But should one or more win selection, the 44-test veteran has confidence they'll step up to the mark.
"We're always checking in. I've sort of taken Dallas McLeod under my wing to make sure he's all good and [has] got everything he needs.
"These guys are in for the first time, but they're mature, they get it, they understand that at this level there's a duty to do.
"They're really good. I am really hoping some of those boys get an opportunity in the next couple of weeks.
"It's always a special thing seeing some of your brothers debut."
