Scotland legend Hastings

LIONS legend Gavin Hastings (left) is relishing the prospect of a Scots Irish collaboration at the Aviva Stadium tonight.

- MICHAEL SCULLY

Connacht and Ireland's Bundee Aki will join with Sione Tuipulotu of Glasgow Warriors and Scotland in the Lions midfield for the clash with Argentina.

"I think a lot of people are looking forward to seeing that one," grinned Hastings, a three-time Lions tourist who made six Test appearances and captained the squad on the 1993 New Zealand tour.

"There's not going to be very many holes in that combination, obviously. But it'll be interesting to see how it goes, they're two very experienced and talented guys.

"I think it's going to be a pretty stiff challenge for the Lions but, listen, you've got to play your first game somewhere, so you may as well be in front of your home supporters.

"There's no doubt it'll be a great game. I think they're very, very keen to get us off to a winning start.

"I expect the Lions to just be very, very competitive. That's what we want. Some people suggest that it might be sort of easy against Australia, but there's no way they will roll over.

"So I think the Lions have got to work very, very hard for everything they're going to potentially achieve. Andy's a very experienced coach, and I'm sure he knows how to get the best out of them. And that's what it's all about."