Stephen Jones backs Ireland star for Lions start despite subpar Six Nations

"He is a Test centre to his bootlaces when running free."

After a first-half red card against Wales cost his side dearly and left him unavailable to face France, he, along with most of Ireland's backline, failed to fire in a narrow win over Italy.

Nonetheless, at his best he a classy midfielder, with defensives prowess, pace, leadership, and test-match quality, and is still likely to tour with the Lions this summer.

While often in the bad books with Ireland fans, controversial pundit Stephen Jones has backed the Leinster man to start for the Lions against Australia.

"Bundee Aki was not an automatic choice for me, but on tour he is likely to find his power and effectiveness. How nice if the quartet throw up an incisive paring for the Tests.