Bundee Aki is primed for a return to form with Ireland this week after getting a solid 80 minutes under his belt with Connacht at the weekend, according to his provincial defence coach Pete Wilkins. Aki had only played 30 minutes in the two months prior to Saturday’s bonus-point win over Cardiff Blues due to a knee injury, but Wilkins thinks he can force his way back into Andy Farrell’s plans for their trip to Rome. Aki, Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan have rejoined the Ireland squad and are not available for Connacht this week, but Wilkins thinks Aki will be ready if called upon in Rome. “It was really important for Bundee to get back to us and have that game-time on the weekend just gone against Cardiff,” said Wilkins. “I thought there was a control about the way he played.

Source: Irish Independent February 23, 2021 02:37 UTC