Aki was left “devastated” by his 29th minute straight red for the challenge on Ulupano Seuteni, which is likely to result in a ban that will end his World Cup.
But Aki, who is of Samoan descent, will have Samoa head coach Steve Jackson on his side when he appears at a disciplinary tribunal.
Jackson, whose team have experienced no shortage of cards this tournament, said: “It’s the toss of a coin at the moment.
“I’ve known Bundee a long time and he’s a great man and a great character. He didn’t go out to do that to anybody.
“Hopefully the powers that be can see sense and he gets to carry on in this tournament. He deserves it as much as anyone. I hope no sanction comes and he goes further in this tournament, and we will do all we can to make sure he gets out there.
“Defenders have got to make a decision in a split second. I think Bundee only had two or three metres to make a decision on the type of tackle. It’s extremely difficult.”
This story is from the October 13, 2019 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 13, 2019 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It was an honour to reach the 400-mark
IF I am being honest I never grew up dreaming of playing for Pontypridd, not even once let alone 401 times (one of only seven players to do so in the club’s 150 year history).
Ukraine go close against Sweden
UKRAINE pushed Sweden all the way but fell just short against the Rugby Europe Trophy table toppers in Trelleborg, the southernmost port of Sweden.
Esher on top to seal title triumph
SUPER Esher ran out comfortable winners in this pulsating end-to-end top of-the-table clash to secure the National 2 East title and promotion back to National League 1.
The pinball wizard who can fire Exeter
The pinball wizard who can fire Exeter
Minnows in line for a World Cup boost
WORLD RUGBY aims to streamline the Rugby World Cup qualification process to give nonhigh performance nations even more time to prepare for the next tournament in Australia.
Green seizes day for dazzling Quins
HARLEQUINS reached their first Champions Cup semi-final after shattering perceptions of a free-running side with a soft underbelly by taking on a team that had twice overpowered Saracens at forward and destroying their scrum.
Ramm: We are up for a fight to the finish
JAMES Ramm believes Northampton’s exploits in the Champions Cup will boost their bid to not only make the Premiership play-offs again but secure a home draw.
Coming to grief on the road to Morocco
Mark Stevens talks to Exeter chairman Tony Rowe about his love of classic rallying across all corners of the world
Dawson: George is England's catalyst
FORMER England captain and scrumhalf Matt Dawson says skipper Jamie George has been the “catalyst” for the country’s recent turnaround.
We won't stop until the final whistle - Yeandle
CHAMPIONS Cup veteran Jack Yeandle has no doubt Exeter’s exciting young guns will rise to another big occasion in Toulouse today.