Warren Gatland banking on Bundee Aki’s powerplay in bruising battle

Jason Leonard, Chairman of the British and Irish Lions, announces Bundee Aki of Ireland into the squad. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

The likelihood of an intensely physical Test series, the absence of Manu Tuilagi and a thriving midfield partnership with Robbie Henshaw have combined to give Bundee Aki his place in the 2021 British & Irish Lions squad.

Aki’s inclusion for this summer’s tour to South Africa was one of the surprise selections in Warren Gatland’s choice of 37 players to take on the Springboks and reflects the head coach’s horses for courses policy for what promises to be an intensely physical Test series against some of the biggest specimens in world rugby.