Schmidt defends Aki’s right to play for Ireland

Joe Schmidt has launched a strong defence of Bundee Aki’s right and readiness to wear Ireland’s colours against his native New Zealand on Saturday.

Connacht powerhouse Aki will face the All Blacks for the first time while earning his 12th cap this weekend, when secondplaced Ireland host New Zealand in Dublin.

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster quipped earlier this week about Aki “you have moulded him into an Irish man, he looks like an Irish man now doesn’t he?”

New Zealand might view former Waikato Chiefs centre Aki as one that got away, but Schmidt insisted the 28-year-old, who qualifies for Ireland on residency, has long since proved his Test loyalties.

“I think Bundee has fully demonstrated his commitment through the last year,” said Schmidt. “He made his debut against South Africa last year in this particular section of the year, and in 2016 he won [Pro12] personality of the year.

“That’s the nature of Bundee and his popularity. Because everybody knows he’s going to give 100 per cent. It’s like asking was Jerome Kaino 100 per cent ready to play for the All Blacks, because he was born in a foreign country, or Chris Masoe, or Joe Rokocoko; or any of those guys.

“So having coached all those guys, they were very ready to play for the All Blacks.

“And I know that Bundee Aki is very ready to play for us in this weekend’s fixture.”

Ireland boss Schmidt has restored the dependable lock Devin Toner to his starting line-up following last weekend’s patchy 28-17 win over Argentina. Dan Leavy will start at openside despite not training fully yesterday. Rob Kearney returns at full-back after shoulder trouble.