Bundy Aki says he spent most of his life on the British & Irish Lions tour before being called up for the third Litmus Test on Saturday against South Africa.

The eight-game and six-week tour of the Springbox is one of six changes to the squad suggested by coach Warren Gottland for the match at Cape Town Stadium.

It will be his first experiment since passing the stand for the first two, but that did not stop the New Zealand-born Ireland International from having an unforgettable experience.

“The time I spent here was honestly amazing,” the Irish Center said at a news conference Tuesday.

“I’m not saying this lightly, but honestly, I ‘ve had the best time of my life being part of this group.

Players usually on both sides of the pitch in six-nation battles are now as close friends as former rival England captain Owen Farrell.

“I learned a lot from this person and I got along well with him,” he said. “I only know him from the other end of the field, playing against him, but he’s a great guy who was with us. We get together every day.”

Aki says the Lions team is getting along well on the tour

Aki enters the Lions midfield with Robbie Henshaw, playing with them in Connacht and Ireland.

“We were close friends. I’m lucky to be Robbie’s partner and play a lot of games with him. We need to make sure we do our best as a partnership.”

The 31 – year – old Aki was one of four players who made the changes after the Lions lost 27-9 in the second Test last Saturday. He replaced Scotland International’s Chris Harris.

“I’m glad we got the green light, but we have a job to do. I can’t wait to stand there, put my feet on the ground and make sure I’m doing the work I need to do. He said.

“It’s a great honor to play for this proud team. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I got this week. Many do not get a Test cap. I’m going to enjoy the time on the pitch,” he added.