Nothing was stopping Bundee Aki from ensuring Ireland got over the line on Saturday.
Ireland owes a lot of thanks to Bundee Aki for two of the tries scored against Scotland in the game that clinched the 2018 Six Nations championship.
The Connacht centre was crucial for Conor Murray’s try just after the break. His role in this score was one that everyone should have noticed, but it still warrants being highlighted.
When the Munster scrum half picked up the ball and sprinted between the line of defence, his momentum was stalled by a smothering tackle from Hamish Watson. He may very well have generated enough force on his own to score, but Aki’s surge to drive him over over the line made it certain.
To make it more impressive, Aki even barged his way past an attempted block from Peter Horne. He just bounced off the Scottish centre, remained on course and helped his teammate convert the chance.
Making space
Aki was also pivotal in one of Jacob Stockdale’s tries.
Just before the set-piece began, Aki pushed captain Rory Best to get into line to tie up Horne. This gave Gary Ringrose the crucial space to set up Stockdale.
If it wasn’t for Aki, Ireland probably weren’t going to score that try.
For such a big unit, Aki does a lot of little things that often go unnoticed for the good of Ireland. He deserves all the praise that’s coming to him over that memorable victory over Scotland.
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