Ireland centre Bundee Aki is hopeful the return of a full crowd to the Aviva Stadium can be the catalyst for another memorable home performance against New Zealand tomorrow.

For the first time since a Guinness Six Nations win over Wales in February 2020 and the world was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Aviva Stadium is sold out for an international rugby Test.

Last night’s World Cup qualifier between the Republic of Ireland men’s soccer team and Portugal offered a glimpse of the atmosphere that Aki and his team-mates can expect at the Aviva this weekend.

An attendance of approximately 40,000 helped to make it a special occasion for new Ireland centurion Jonathan Sexton in last week’s Autumn Nations Series opener against Japan, but it will be significantly heightened for the visit of the All Blacks.

“The fans here have been incredible. Last week, I don’t know if you heard it, when Johnny scored his try. It wasn’t a full stadium, but it certainly felt like a full stadium when they started roaring when Johnny scored his try,” acknowledged Aki.

“My hair was standing at the back of my neck and my ears were ringing at the time. I was like. ‘Jesus, this is absolutely loud’.

“It wasn’t a full crowd then, so I can only imagine what this weekend could be like with a full stadium, a packed out stadium. We’re looking forward to a very good crowd behind us.”