All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett knows the threat that awaits him on Sunday morning when he takes on Ireland in Dublin, having already seen Bundee Aki in action for the Chiefs before his departure to Europe.
Barrett was asked by media today what he remembers of the midfielder from his years with the Waikato franchise.
"Bundee was quite a physical, skillful player," Barrett said.
"He loved to carry the ball quite hard - he was heavily involved in the Chiefs' strike attack. He's a talented player."
The 11-cap Irish midfielder was born in Auckland and came up through the ranks with Counties Manukau before signing with the Chiefs.
But after two seasons, Aki defected from the Chiefs in 2014 for a deal with Irish club Connacht who he has since earned 76 Pro14 appearances for.
Three years later, Aki was named in Ireland's extended squad and debuted against South Africa last November.
The 28-year-old has since become the starting midfielder for Joe Schmidt's Ireland and is expected to feature heavily this Sunday when his team play the All Blacks at 8am NZT in Dublin.
Barrett said Aki's development is why he's risen through the ranks so quickly.
"From the quality of the coaching he's had in recent years, that's why he's starting for Ireland, that's why his game has come on and he's an international player now.
"I think he always had that potential and that ability but you're probably seeing more consistency out of him now."
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