Connacht’s hopes of getting their European Challenge Cup campaign back on track have been boosted by confirmation that Bundee Aki will be available to play when Perpignan visit the Sportsground on Saturday.

Bundee Aki’s place in a Test opposition dressing room has come under fire in the New Zealand media this week but Connacht and Ireland team-mate Kieran Marmion believes the Auckland-born centre is relishing the opportunity to go toe to toe with the All Blacks tomorrow.

So much for Steve Hansen’s “Irish trick” then.

Connacht coach Andy Friend says Bundee Aki is champing at the bit for game-time and he expects him to have a big impact over the coming weeks and months.

Ireland international Bundee Aki is in line for his first PRO14 game this season in Connacht’s crunch tie against Edinburgh.

The perils of having a large extended family are becoming all too apparent to Bundee Aki as he tries to wrangle enough tickets for his Australia-based kinfolk to watch Ireland take on the Wallabies over the next three weeks.

Connacht coach Kieran Keane says recent Ireland debutant Bundee Aki could be held in reserve over the coming weeks despite an impressive November campaign for Joe Schmidt’s side.

Rob Kearney feels the criticism of Bundee Aki’s impending debut for Ireland helped forge a stronger bond among Joe Schmidt’s crew and one which fed into the first of their November internationals, against South Africa, last weekend.

Ireland captain Rory Best has urged debutant Bundee Aki not to sit back but rather step up and take charge against South Africa this evening.

Bundee Aki’s debut for Ireland this evening may be controversial but it will soon be a moot point.

Keith Earls and Jack McGrath have emerged as injury doubts for Ireland’s November Test against South Africa at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

"When you are picking a player to play for Ireland, whatever else about him being good enough, the prime ingredient is whether he is Irish or not."

Bundee Aki can become a "special" player for Ireland, according to his former Connacht coach Pat Lam.

Connacht v Scarlets, Guinness PRO12: Kieran Marmion admits complacency cost Connacht dearly as they failed to defend their Guinness PRO12 title this season.

Irene Feighan sits down to have a chat with Connacht rugby player, Bundee Aki, about his health and nutrition.

Connacht have secured the long-term services of Irish international Ultan Dillane and Pro12 player of the year Bundee Aki.

From one Guinness PRO12 award winner to another, Connacht veteran John Muldoon has warned the rest of the league that there is much more to come from player of the season Bundee Aki.

Connacht coach Pat Lam is set to unleash the first of his three New Zealand signings tomorrow night in Swansea as they bid to win at the Liberty Stadium for the first time.