the meaning of "with the best of them" and "circle the wagons"

[kjc0123]

What is the meaning of "with the best of them" and "circle the wagons" in the following sentences?

 

Word spread fast that he was back, and throughout the morning the same colleagues dropped by with a quick hello, welcome back, sorry about your loss. For the most part the faculty was a close group. They could bicker with the best of them on the trivial issues of campus politics, but they were quick to circle the wagons in times of need.

[Spacemanbob]

If  you  can  box  "with  the  best  of  them",  you're  probably   1  of  the  world's  best.

To  circle  the  wagons  is  to  rally  the  troops  or  to  gather  one's  forces....  to  get  ready  for  battle  or  competition.    

[Emily Ball]

Pioneers in the 'Wild West' of America travelled great distances in covered wagons , the more the better for safety . When threatened by attack from marauding Native Americans the practice was to form the wagons into circles so that they had a 360% view of the enemy and thus could not be taken unawares . 'Closing ranks' in other words. Being able to do something with 'the best of them' means you are intellectually or physically as good as the best.

[Peter Pedant]

Circle wagons was also used in South Africa. I thought therefore the phrase sounded a bit odd. However it is clear they were referring to Wild West and Indians.