Ireland centre Bundee Aki admitted his performance against New Zealand “just wasn’t good enough” after he was dropped from the matchday squad to face Argentina last week.
Robbie Henshaw for Aki was the only change made to the starting side for the 22-19 win over the Pumas, but the Connacht man is restored to the number 12 jersey for Saturday’s hosting of Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.
“I think we have high standards for each other, we have high standards as a group and we know for a fact – well, I know for a fact, speaking from my own experience from the New Zealand game – it just wasn’t good enough,” he said.
Aki, a World Rugby player of the year nominee in 2023, added that he took the news from Farrell “on the chin” and noted that competition at his position is fierce among the Ireland squad.
“It’s a healthy, honest relationship with Faz.
“You take it on the chin and you’ve just got to be better and take the opportunity of the week to nullify your mistakes and to be a better person and to be a better rugby player.
Garry Ringrose and Henshaw started last weekend, while Jamie Osborne has impressed across his four caps to date and Stuart McCloskey is yet to feature this autumn.
“The two boys who played last weekend were unbelievable,” Aki added.
“You’ve still got the likes of big Stu, the likes of Jamie Osborne, lads are coming through and the lads put up a big challenge last week and it’s up to myself to be able to put my best foot forward and to step up another notch.
“It’s always good to have that competition with us.”