NZ will regret Aki decision, says Henshaw

Robbie Henshaw believes New Zealand "made a mistake" in allowing Connacht centre Bundee Aki to declare for Ireland.

Aki becomes eligible to play for Ireland in October after three years playing for Connacht, and could feature for Joe Schmidt's side alongside his former team-mate in the November internationals against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

The 27-year-old dropped off the New Zealand radar by moving to Galway from Chiefs in 2014, although double World Cup-winning captain Richie McCaw said in May 2016 that the All Blacks needed "to knock on his door and get him back home."

Leinster centre Henshaw says Aki, who admitted that he "didn't feel Irish", was hoping for a call-up for the All Blacks, but has now reconciled himself to representing his adopted country.

"I know he was always kind of humming and hawing about what he was going to do, and he was unsure, but I think he's really settled now," Henshaw said.

"It'll be great to have him because he is a world-class player and I think he'd add value to the group as well.

"I'm really looking forward to having him in and hopefully he gets a run out in November.

"New Zealand probably made a mistake. I know there was a bit of stir back there and I think Richie McCaw mentioned that they let him go a bit easily.

"Comparing him to the other centres back there, he's well able to punch above his weight."

Henshaw, 24, expects to return to the Leinster side to face Edinburgh next Friday at the RDS, after finally recovering from the pectoral injury he suffered on Lions' duty in New Zealand.

Leinster coach Leo Cullen will also be without Luke McGrath [arm], Fergus McFadden [hamstring] and James Ryan [foot] for Friday's Pro 14 game against Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, but flanker Caelan Doris has been flown out as cover.

Image: Inpho/Bryan Keane

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