James Lowe says he will face some of his "closest friends" if he makes the Irish side to play the All Blacks on Sunday morning.
Ireland's coach Andy Farrell praised the improvements in Lowe's game following his recall against Japan.
And the 29-year-old Lowe, a Maori All Black before joining Leinster in 2017, is relishing the chance to step out against his native land.
"Some of my best friends are starters in that All Blacks team," said Lowe, who played for Tasman and the Chiefs Super Rugby side.
Lowe's good mates included Chiefs Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Brodie Retallick. He also attended Nelson College with Ethan Blackadder and David Havili and has been a teammate of Finlay Christie and Will Jordan.