The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Red-carded Aki still has part to play
Bundee Aki can still have a “massive” influence on Ireland’s World Cup quarter-final against New Zealand even under suspension, according to Simon Easterby.
Connacht centre Aki was hit with a threeweek ban that will end his World Cup in a disciplinary hearing on Monday, following his red card against Samoa.
Ireland are waiting for the full written judgment before weighing up whether to appeal against the ban, and will have 48 hours from receipt of the report to decide.
Aki will be able to train fully with the squad even if ruled out of Saturday’s last-eight battle in Tokyo, leaving forwards coach Easterby to insist the New Zealand-born powerhouse still has a big role to play.
“It can be massive that he’s still able to train,” said Easterby.
“He’s a good trainer anyway, but he’ll be focused on doing everything he can now.
“There’s no better man for knowing how the Kiwis work.
“He’s a big part of this group and he’ll continue to be part of it.”
Aki was sent off for a high tackle on UJ Seuteni in the 29th minute of Ireland’s 47-5 Pool A clash with Samoa, with boss Joe Schmidt branding him “devastated” with the dismissal.
Ireland flew out lawyer Derek Hegarty to act for Aki in Monday’s disciplinary hearing but the independent panel still imposed a threeweek suspension.
That will rule Aki out of the rest of the tournament, unless Ireland can launch a successful appeal.
Former Ireland flanker Easterby admitted Ireland will continue to hold fire on an appeal until they digest the full report.
“Until we’ve seen the report we don’t know what rolls into that decision,” said Easterby, of a possible appeal.
“We’re lucky that we have a real good group of players in that midfield but he’s one of those and we’d be disappointed if we don’t get to use him.
“But until we’ve seen the report and know exactly how they came to that decision, we’ll probably have to wait until we see that before we make a call.”