Competitiveness can breed success - and that's exactly the case when it comes to the halfback position in the world champion All Blacks.
With three world-class No.9s, Steve Hansen's side is wells served in the position.
Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have been scrapping it out since 2014 - and although more often than not Smith has garnered the headlines, the three work together as a unit to ensure the best possible outcome for their side.
And that competition will be crucial again on Sunday morning (NZT), when the Pumas host the All Blacks at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani.
Speaking to the gathered media in Buenos Aires , Perenara said it's all about pushing each other to the limit in the lead up to match day, regardless of who gets the selection nod.
"If we are playing each other in the training session, I want to beat them," he said.
"Having that competitive edge, it forces you to get better every time - and we would let each other know if one of us was slipping.
"It's about making sure they are in the best position possible to perform on the field."
The Hurricanes halfback added that the role of the unlucky member of the threesome to miss out on the match day 23 is extremely important.
"If I'm in that position then I'm making sure throughout training it's going to be harder for him than it will be on Saturday," he said.
"I'm going to be the best I can be in order for him to be the best he can be.
"We enjoy each other's company - we are all friends off the park - but we want to beat each other whether it's against each other or in the same squad."
For his part, Kerr-Barlow is just happy to be involved in such a dominant era of All Black rugby.
The 27-year-old is heading offshore in 2019 having signed a three-year deal with French club La Rochelle.
The former Chiefs man said it's humbling to still be thought of as one of the three best halfbacks in the country despite his impending move north.
"I'm just fortunate that Steve [Hansen] and the coaching group still have faith in me"," Kerr-Barlow said.
"I feel I am in a fortunate position that even though I am leaving at the end of the year, I am still part of this team. My mind is still fully on what I need to do for the All Blacks.
"I am in a privileged position where I have got to live my dream as part of the All Blacks - I just want to make the most of it."
Kerr-Barlow reiterated Perenara's comments that it's a three-headed monster when it comes to the All Blacks No.9 jersey.
"It's always disappointing but you are also part of the best team in the world. If we can't play, the next best thing is to be part of this team.
"At the end of the day, you just have to suck it up and do the best for your mates and get them prepared as well as you can, while still trying to improve individually."
The Pumas always provide stern opposition for any side when the play at home and Perenara expects Sunday's Test to be more of the same.
"When they get going they have a great set-piece, they also defend very well and they have offensive threats that are second-to-none.
"If they play a game that suits their tempo they can beat most teams. They have shown they can be competitive for big chunks of games.
"We know every time we head into a Test against the Pumas we are in for a hard game."
A win for the All Blacks would lock up the Rugby Championship for another season.
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