Bundee Aki said it would be “a huge honour” to win his 50th cap for Ireland on Saturday when he lines up for the eagerly-awaited Rugby World Cup Pool B match between the Six Nations Grand Slam winners and defending champions South Africa.

The 33-year-old New Zealand-born centre has been in outstanding form in Ireland’s first two games, scoring four tries and being named man of the match in the 59-16 victory over Tonga last Saturday.

“It is a huge occasion,” said Aki.

“Within myself and my family it is a huge honour to put the jersey on 50 times, I do not take it lightly.”

Aki said when he first arrived in Ireland to play for Connacht he would never have dreamed of the landmark.

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