British & Irish Lions midfielder Ben Te'o says a Test match-up against the nation of his birth will be "just a game" that holds no special significance.
The 30-year-old Te'o, born in Auckland, has enjoyed an eclectic professional career since moving to Australia as a 17-year-old to play rugby league.
He played for Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs in the National Rugby League competition, winning a premiership in 2014, and represented Queensland seven times in State of Origin -- helping them to secure the final two of their eight consecutive series wins. Following his father's lineage, he also played once for Samoa.
Te'o then moved to Ireland for a two-year stint with Pro12 giants Leinster in rugby, before jumping across to Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has made eight appearances for Eddie Jones's England to date, including every match as they secured a second consecutive Six Nations title in 2017.
With such a varied history, including previous form with the Junior Kiwis, Te'o is no stranger to shifting allegiances. But he said on Thursday that a prospective match-up with the All Blacks was unremarkable in his eyes, and comparable to matches against Australia or South Africa.
"Things change, times change," he said.
"I've gone on a different journey through Australia, through rugby league, to Europe to learn rugby all over again. I can't say it'd be any more special than playing the Springboks or Wallabies or anyone else, so if I get that opportunity I'd be very happy and proud of the achievement -- but I can't say it'd mean anything more than a rugby game."
Te'o, with his penchant for crashing beyond the gainline with his 106kg frame, will line up at inside centre against the Maori All Blacks in the latest step of his dizzying ascent since he returned to the 15-man game barely three years ago.
Te'o insists his Lions call-up was far from his mind when making the move from Leinster to Worcester in the 2016 off-season.
"I suppose sometimes I sit back and think about my transition into the game, how some people think it has come along quickly, [and] for me it probably doesn't feel that quick but I'm still proud of the steps I've taken," Te'o said.
"There's no time to be looking around thinking, 'oh how good is this', just being happy where I am; it's all about going out there and challenging."