Samoa coach Steve Jackson says his team will do everything they can to help Bundee Aki avoid a ban in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals.
The Irish centre, who has two Samoan parents, saw red in the first-half for a dangerous tackle as Joe Schmit's side picked up a 47-5 bonus point victory in Pool A to book their place in the last-eight.
Jackson has offered to aid a potential Irish appeal to a disciplinary panel, as he feels the Connacht midfielder doesn't deserve to miss Ireland's clash with either South Africa or holders New Zealand.
"There are mitigating factors, the dropping height, all these things come into play, but it’s the toss of a coin at the moment. I’ve known Bundee a long time, he’s a great man, has great character and doesn’t want to do that to anyone.
"Hopefully the powers-that-be see some sense and he gets to carry on in the tournament because he’s a great kid and deserves it. I hope no further sanction comes.
"Was there malice? No, it was just physical in the tackle, and being Samoan he always would be. They are asking players to make a decision in a split second about what kind of tackle they have to make, which is very difficult."
