Auckland mates become centre of attention for Thomond Park derby

Playing together for Saints Marist in Auckland, Francis Saili and Bundee Aki forged a strong friendship and understanding on and off the field, but on Saturday the two New Zealand centres will be on opposing teams.

Connacht’s Aki will surely face off against Munster’s Saili as the top two in the Pro12 meet at Thomond Park, and though the pair faced each other for Chiefs and the Blues in the Super 15, this is the first time they have met in the Northern Hemisphere.

Saili, the younger of the two by ten months, has two New Zealand caps to his name, and Aki claims Munster are blessed to have his talents at their disposal.