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Published 15:54 28 May 2016 BST
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Following a successful debut Six Nations campaign, Pat Lam teamed the two for Connacht's PRO12 run-in. They looked like strangers in the losses to Ulster and Glasgow but stopped getting in each other's way as the season end in pulsating agony, against Gloucester, at Kingsholm.
Lam teamed Aki with Rory Parata while Henshaw was at the World Cup but the Kiwi's injury gave Craig Ronaldson at run at No.12. Henshaw returned in November but Lam preferred him at fullback. Ronaldson & Aki it was. Even Peter Robb got his chance.
However, with a home semi-final then final at stake, Lam brought the boys back together.
Aki was immense in both games while Henshaw's defence was outstanding. While the Athlone native made turnovers and big hits, Aki took multiple cuts off Glasgow and left men in his wake. It was an awesome showing for a man carrying calf and ankle issues.
https://twitter.com/SportsJOEdotie/status/734129311066775553
This evening will make it a dozen appearances in the westerners' midfield. They go up against a similar pairing, in Ben Te'o and Garry Ringrose. It will be a fascinating watch.
Many expect Henshaw-Ringrose to be Ireland's midfield partnership up to and including the next World Cup.
If Aki keeps up his superb level of performance, he may be back partnering his old mucker Henshaw in the green of Ireland. November 2017 - and Aki's Irish qualification - can't come quick enough.

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