Joe Schmidt will lead the Wallabies in three Tests against the British and Irish Lions this summer Australia head coach Joe Schmidt described Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu as a "southern hemisphere centre partnership" when running the rule over Andy Farrell's first British and Irish Lions selection. The Lions take on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium on Friday night in what is their only fixture before a nine-game game tour of Australia. Ireland's Aki and Scotland's Tuipulotu, born in New Zealand and Australia respectively,will be the Lions' midfield pairing against the Pumasdespite both players more usually starting at inside centre. Schmidt gave Aki his Ireland debut after the 35-year-old Connacht man qualified on residency in 2017, while Tuipulotu has been able to captain Gregor Townsend's side thanks to a grandmother born in Greenock. "A southern hemisphere centre partnership that will be pretty formidable," said Schmidt at the media conference to confirm his squad for next month's game against Fiji. Schmidt added: "I coached Bundee for several years and know him really well and respect him massively as a player. He's a great contributor to the team environment. "I've only had glancing conversations with Sione but again, by all accounts a champion bloke. You don't get to be captain of a national team without being a great bloke and really professional in those high-performance environments." That eight of Andy Farrell's 38-man squad were born overseas has been a talking point before the side make the trip down under. Lions assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth was later asked about Schmidt's comments and said every player involved in the tour has "earned the right" to represent the side. "I don't know if they are questioning their commitment. Everyone has earned the right to pull on the Lions jersey," said the former England scrum-half. "They are, to a man, incredibly proud to be here. "It is not your background or how you have got here, it's what sort of player you are and what sort of man you are. We have got great men and great players."
Lions centres a 'southern hemisphere' pairing - Schmidt
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"Joe Schmidt Highlights Aki and Tuipulotu as Key Centre Partnership for Lions Tour"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Joe Schmidt, the head coach of the Wallabies, will lead the team in a series of three Tests against the British and Irish Lions this summer. In a recent media conference, he highlighted the partnership of Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu as a 'southern hemisphere centre partnership' for the Lions. Aki, who plays for Ireland, and Tuipulotu, representing Scotland, are set to take on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, marking their only fixture before embarking on a nine-game tour of Australia. Schmidt noted that both players typically play at inside centre but are prepared to showcase their skills in this formidable partnership. Aki has been a significant player for Ireland since qualifying for national representation in 2017 through residency, while Tuipulotu has earned his place as a captain in the Scottish team due to his familial ties to the region.
In discussing the squad, Schmidt expressed his deep respect for Aki, whom he has coached for several years, emphasizing Aki's contributions to team dynamics. He also acknowledged Tuipulotu's commendable character, despite having limited interactions with him. The composition of the Lions squad has sparked discussions, especially with eight players having been born overseas. Lions assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth responded to these concerns by affirming that every selected player has 'earned the right' to don the Lions jersey, highlighting their commitment and pride in representing the team. He emphasized that regardless of backgrounds, the focus should be on the players' abilities and character, reinforcing that the Lions squad comprises both exceptional athletes and individuals of high integrity.
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