They may be both vying for the All Blacks' No.6 jersey but Liam Squire says he feels "lucky" to have the unique rugby relationship he has with rookie Shannon Frizell.
Frizell earned his first start at blindside flanker in his second All Blacks Test when the team played Argentina in Nelson on Saturday and delivered a strong 80-minute performance.
While All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it was "too early" to say whether Frizell was putting pressure on for full-time rights to the position, Squire said he was just happy to see him do well.
Frizell had a big outing against Argentina which he topped off with a try in front of his adopted hometown fans.
"I've been lucky enough to be in the same team as him for his whole professional career so far with Tasman and the Highlanders," he said.
"I've seen him grow his game and it was awesome to see him go out there and implement it in the black jersey."
Frizell only made his debut for the Mako two years ago before signing with the Highlanders this year.
The All Blacks loose forward shone in last night's 46-24 win.
Squire on the other hand debuted for Tasman in 2011 and after two years with the Chiefs joined the Highlanders in 2016.
Squire said the friendly competition would do wonders for both of them.
"It creates that competitiveness in the six jersey which is only healthy for him and I so it's a challenge that's exciting for both of us."
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