Samoa start would be special, says Aki

BUNDEE AKI insists he will treat facing his fatherland Samoa exactly the same way he took on New Zealand in November.

The Ireland juggernaut centre admitted it would be a source of huge family pride should he get the nod to take on Samoa in Fukuoka on Saturday.

Aki was born in Auckland to Samoan parents and starred with the Chiefs before joining Connacht in 2014, committing to Ireland in both rugby and community.

The 29-year-old conjured a barnstorming performance when Ireland dispatched New Zealand 16-9 in Dublin in November, producing the perfect riposte to All Blacks coach Ian Foster who had questioned his residency qualification.

Aki acts as an emotional touchstone for this Ireland squad, his physicality crucial to Joe Schmidt’s side - and he has declared himself ready to repeat that stunning All Blacks showing if he rolls out against Samoa.

“That would be a proud moment, if I do get to that stage,” said Aki. “But I would treat it exactly the same as the way I focused on playing against New Zealand as well.

“I’ve just got to try and focus on what I can do best for the team first, and we’ll see how we go this week and hopefully I can help the team put in a good performance.”

Asked if facing the Test teams with whom he shares heritage brings out the best in him, Aki answered: “For me, I’m just going to try to do the best I can for this jersey, try to play well and if I get the chance to play on the field I’ll try my best to do everyone proud as I always do.”