close
close

Bundy Aki ready to bounce back as Ireland recall him for Fiji match after Argentina’s inactivity

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Bundy Aki ready to bounce back as Ireland recall him for Fiji match after Argentina’s inactivity

BUNDI AKI says he’s fine and doing his best for Ireland.

Aki was on the wing against the All Blacks in the win over Argentina and will play Fiji again on Saturday.

Bundee Aki is back in Ireland's starting team after being left out of the squad for the Argentina Test.

2

Bundee Aki is back in Ireland’s starting team after being left out of the squad for the Argentina Test.
The Connacht center admits he lost the match against New Zealand

2

The Connacht center admits he lost the match against New Zealand

And while the Connacht center was disappointed to miss last weekend’s match, he is at peace with the decision.

Aki said: “It’s hard for anyone. It’s always a challenge, but you put that aside and put the team first.

“I had a different role last week to get the guys ready for the game and I loved that role. It was good to see them thrive like they did last week.”

Last weekend, Andy Farrell decided to start Robbie Henshaw and Harry Ringrose in the starting line-up, with Jamie Osborne coming on as a substitute.

This time Aki teams up with Henshaw in midfield, with Osborne at full-back and Stuart McCloskey on the bench.

And Aki said: “Faz and I have a healthy, honest relationship.

“You take it on yourself and you just have to get better and take the opportunity of the week to erase your mistakes, get better and become a better rugby player.

“The two guys that played last weekend were incredible. You’ve still got those big Stu’s like Jamie, the lads are coming forward and the lads presented a big challenge last week.”

“And it depends on me whether I can show my best side and rise another step higher. It’s always nice to have competition like this with us.”

The 34-year-old was honest enough to admit he should have done better against his home country.

He said: “We have high standards as a group and I know for a fact from my own experience playing in New Zealand that it wasn’t good enough.

New Zealand rugby fans demand IFRU apology after national anthem fails

“You want to play at a high level and that’s what the coaches expect from us. We know what we are capable of and what we can achieve.”

Aki reiterated that he was honored to be granted Irish citizenship in September, but that has not stopped speculation that he could leave when his current contract expires in the summer of 2026.

Toulon are said to be interested and Aki said: “The situation now is: play for Connacht, play for Ireland, and yes, that’s all I can say!”