All Blacks lock Brodie Retallick was happy to find the funny side of coming up against former teammate Brad Shields, preparing to face England at Twickenham this weekend.
Having played all of his rugby with the Hurricanes and Wellington in New Zealand, Shields, 27, moved to England to represent Premiership club Wasps, and was fast-tracked into Eddie Jones' international plans, qualifying through his parents.
Shields also played five matches for the New Zealand 'Baby Blacks' side in 2011, where he played alongside Retallick en route to the junior World Cup title.
Speaking to media in London this morning, Retallick said it would be strange to come up against Shields, but also that he was happy for his former teammate.
"I guess it's kind of funny," Retallick began.
"You see him running around for the Hurricanes, then next minute he's playing for England.
"He's taken his chances, he played well in the weekend (against South Africa), hopefully we can come up against him this week."
Retallick also said he had no issue with Shields' somewhat controversial switch, having played more games for England than he has for his new club.
"If that's what he wanted to do to play international rugby (then) good on him.
"He's out there making a real go of it."
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