Ireland squad uniting behind Bundee Aki after criticism

Rob Kearney feels the criticism of Bundee Aki’s impending debut for Ireland helped forge a stronger bond among Joe Schmidt’s crew and one which fed into the first of their November internationals, against South Africa, last weekend.

A Kiwi born and bred, Aki was the latest player to wear the Irish jersey thanks to the soon-to-be-extended three-year residency ruling.

Kearney revealed there was an understanding among his new squadmates that he maybe “needed a bit more love”.