Lowe, 29, celebrated his international recall by scoring the opening try as Ireland thrashed Japan 60-5 in last weekend's autumn opener in Dublin.
The former Maori All Blacks player now hopes to retain his starting place for this weekend's Aviva Stadium game.
"Some of my best friends are starters in that All Blacks team," said Lowe.
Lowe enjoyed close relationships with the likes of Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Samisoni Taukei'aho and Brodie Retallick, while he, David Havili and Ethan Blackadder each attended Nelson College.