WHEN TWO WON

Robbie & Bundee have a successful partnership but tough test awaits

OLD habits die hard – and thankfully so in Ireland’s case heading to Paris.

It is four years since Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki played central roles in Connacht’s remarkable PRO14 title success and Henshaw left for Leinster immediately afterwards.

However, when the duo reunite in midfield at Test level it is as if they were never apart, as was the case last Saturday when Henshaw came off the bench for the injured Garry Ringrose.

With Ringrose out of the Test picture for the rest of the year, Henshaw and Aki will start against France as both sides chase the Six Nations title.

“It ’s pro b ably o l d habits,” smiled Henshaw.

“I know what he’s about and how he operates. Similar to one when I’m playing with Garry as well, I know how he works.

“The more games you play, you kind of feed off each other’s traits. That’s how it works.

“Bundee’s just c onstantly driving us on and bringing that energy – which is what is needed when there’s an empty stadium.

“It’s weird, we’re only into the second week but the great thing is we’re playing for the trophy, there’s silverware on the line, so there’s a great buzz around the place.

“It’s going to be a really tough challenge but it’s really going to be good for this group and the mood is good.”

The understanding the pair have was evident in their display in Ireland’s last Stade de France visit – that nail-biting first game of the 2018 Six Nations won by Johnny Sexton’s last-gasp drop goal. “A tough game,” said

He n s h aw. “I remember it was a long wait around for the game in the evening.

“It was an eight o’clock kickoff – similar to what is coming this week.

“It ’s a l w a y s c h a l l e n g i n g playing on the road, and especially in the Stade de France because it’s so hard to win there first and foremost.

“France are almost like a different team when they play there.

“But yeah, just having that confidence in each other to back ourselves and not go into our shells.

“That win was definitely up there with one of the hardest games we played because we were always attacking into a brick wall.

“It was very hard to break them down, but thankfully Johnny’s magic at the end got us over.”

On Saturday, a 40th start t in 45 Test games beckons for r the 27-year-old.

“France have improved hugely, they’re moving the ball around,” ound,” remarked Henshaw.

“They really have upped d their game and played a really y nice shape in their attack at the weekend.

“Their defence as well, , with Shaun Edwards there, their linespeed is quite fast and aggressive so we need to be ready for what’s to come. It’s definitely going to be a big step-up.”