Ireland’s team success soothes the sting of any personal criticism for center Bundee Aki

[ad_1]

There has long been a common misconception that Bundee Aki is not a good passer of the ball, but that is slowly changing, thanks to the shift in Ireland’s game-plan.

onnacht supporters will tell you that Aki has always been an effective passer, yet at times in recent years, he was being asked to fulfill aa particular role with Ireland, which meant we didn’t always see that side of his game.

Andy Farrell and Mike Catt have encouraged Aki to express himself more often with ball in hand and that he continues to keep a player of Robbie Henshaw’s caliber out of the team speaks volumes for how happy the coaches are with Aki’s performances.

It’s clear, however, that the criticism of Aki’s style of play stung the 31-year-old.

“I’ve alluded to it before, it’s about trying to do the right thing for the team,” he said.

“I’ve always had a passing game. People have their criticisms and criticize how I play, but it’s just the way I play and try and do what’s right for the team, and what’s best for the team at the time. That’s my role.”

Asked directly if he was upset by the criticism, Aki responded: “I don’t see or read anything. It’s what you guys say to me.

“That’s all it is. I’ve got nothing against it. You guys asked a question about my passing game and I said I’ve always got it.

“It’s the way I do things about what’s best for the team.

“I’m playing to what’s best for the team and doing what’s best for the team. If I need to run, I need to run. If I need to pass, I need to pass. If I need to kick, I will kick. I just do what’s best for the team and what’s asked of me in the team.”

Aki will be central to Ireland’s game-plan for Scotland, be that as a passer or a running threat, particularly with Blair Kinghorn starting at out-half. Tomorrow will also see Aki reunite with his Connacht team-mate Mack Hansen in the Ireland back-line.

Aki is expecting Hansen to shine tomorrow, as he returns to the Ireland team, having missed out on selection for the win over England last weekend.

“He’s such a good block,” he added. “I think if you ask anyone in the team about Mack Hansen, I don’t think anyone would say anything bad about him.

“He’s a fast learner. He’s up there asking questions, figuring out how to do things, obviously because it’s different (to Connacht) and he’s the kind of person who’ll be making sure he’s got his job nailed on and that everything he has to do in the game is spot on.

“That’s the way Mack is. He’s not afraid to ask a question or figure out what’s going on or how to do it better.”

[ad_2]