Ireland faces a stiff test against Australia at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, with Bundee Aki determined to reach another level for his country despite struggling with form. The 35-year-old Connacht centre started two British and Irish Lions Tests against Australia in the summer but was left out of Ireland's defeat by New Zealand in Chicago last month.
Aki has been named as a replacement for Saturday's Test against Australia, where he will look to recapture the form that earned him a nomination for World Rugby player of the year in 2023. However, he admits that his form is not where he wants it to be and must adapt to Ireland's changing dynamics.
With the likes of Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, and Tom Farrell vying for positions, Aki knows he needs to take his game to another level. "We have such healthy competition in the Irish group," he said. "It's a matter of how much you can improve your game and take it to another level."
Aki is also aware that age will be a factor in his career, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup looming large. However, he believes coaches understand players' needs and that Ireland's strength and condition teams are doing their part to ensure he is ready for when called upon.
When asked where Ireland stands at the midpoint of the World Cup cycle, Aki said they are building nicely and learning on the go. "There's a transition period at the moment," he added, "but guys are finding their feet and starting to play how they want to play the game."
Aki has been named as a replacement for Saturday's Test against Australia, where he will look to recapture the form that earned him a nomination for World Rugby player of the year in 2023. However, he admits that his form is not where he wants it to be and must adapt to Ireland's changing dynamics.
With the likes of Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, and Tom Farrell vying for positions, Aki knows he needs to take his game to another level. "We have such healthy competition in the Irish group," he said. "It's a matter of how much you can improve your game and take it to another level."
Aki is also aware that age will be a factor in his career, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup looming large. However, he believes coaches understand players' needs and that Ireland's strength and condition teams are doing their part to ensure he is ready for when called upon.
When asked where Ireland stands at the midpoint of the World Cup cycle, Aki said they are building nicely and learning on the go. "There's a transition period at the moment," he added, "but guys are finding their feet and starting to play how they want to play the game."
. I mean, 35 and still playing like he's 25 is impressive, but you've got to step it up! The young blood at Ireland is killing him... er, I mean, helping the team 
. These Irish centres are so talented, I'm surprised Aki gets any game time at all. I guess that's just the way the cookie crumbles when you're a veteran player 
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. Like, 35 and still goin' strong, fair play to him! 
But seriously, Bundee's got some big shoes to fill with all these talented centres on Ireland's team... Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, Tom Farrell - it's a tough act to follow 
. And let's be real, age is gonna be a factor in the next few years... 2027 World Cup, right? 
Still think Aki can make it happen though! 
, he's looking to bounce back from that tough patch and lead Ireland to victory 
. The competition in Ireland is fierce though 
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. He's got 35 yrs under his belt, he's still a top player. Don't try to fit into someone else's mold, mate! 
. But if he keeps showing up on game day with a positive attitude and a bit of magic in his playmaking boots 
, Ireland's golden 
He's been through some ups and downs with his form lately, but you can tell he's really hungry for a good performance against Australia. 
. Aki knows this, so I'm sure he'll be extra motivated to step up his game 
. And yeah, the age factor can't be ignored - 2027 is getting close! 
But from what I've seen of him in the past, I still think he's got a lot to offer 
. Fingers crossed for Ireland on Saturday! 
. Only time will tell if Aki can recapture that 2023 form, but I'm optimistic about his chances 
. He's been struggling with form but still determined to improve. I'd say he needs to focus on his game rather than worrying about his age 
... that's what us DIYers do best! 
Australia is gonna be tough to beat at the Aviva Stadium! Aki's been struggling with form lately, but he needs to step up his game if Ireland wanna take down the Aussies 
️ 35 is still pretty young for a centre, hope he can continue to perform well and lead by example 
I'm thinking Ireland's gonna need more than just Bundee Aki to take down Australia, you feel? Like, don't get me wrong, Aki's a legend and all, but with that team they've got, it's like, what's the plan B if he's off his game again? 
. how r u guys watching the match? 
He's got some decent competition with the rest of the Irish squad, and I guess it's good they're all pushing each other to improve. But do we really need a bunch of mid-twenties guys trying to out-do each other on the pitch? 
And what about the pressure of the World Cup in 2027? Are the coaching staff just going to magically make him and everyone else younger and more athletic overnight? 
. I mean, I love his attitude, "we have healthy competition" and all that, but at 35, it's gonna be a battle to keep up with these young guns 
. On the other hand, I think he's being real about the World Cup looming large 
i know he's been struggling but i still got faith in him 
gotta love how focused he is on improving his game 
and yeah age will be a thing soon but like coaches are always looking out for the players 
hope irish team can get some wins under their belt before the world cup 
. I mean, 35 is old for a rugby player, btw... The pressure's on, and I'm not sure Ireland can rely on Aki to perform when it matters most 
. What if he doesn't make it to the 2027 World Cup? 
. But here's the thing, does that say anything about the state of Irish rugby? Are they relying too much on Aki to carry the team like it's 2023 all over again 
. Meanwhile, Aki's just trying to keep up 
Are they building for the future or just trying to survive the present?
. But he's confident that the coaches are on top of things and that Ireland's strength and condition teams are doing their part to get him ready