CONNACHT COACH ANDY Friend says Bundee Aki is chomping at the bit for game-time and he expects him to have a big impact over the coming weeks and months.

Aki played his first game for Connacht since April when he came off the bench in the 17-10 loss away to Edinburgh last weekend.

And the 28-year old Irish international is poised for his first start tomorrow when Connacht host Scarlets.

It will be Aki’s first game at the Sportsground since they hammered Leinster 47-10 in the final of last season.

Coach Kieran Keane was fired just two days later and his successor Friend says a lot has changed in the months since Aki last started.

Aki is only returning to action after featuring for Ireland in Australia and the centre also enjoyed a short break back in New Zealand before the season started.

Source: Craig Watson/INPHO

“He’s been brilliant, in fairness to him. He came back from New Zealand after that second stint and he has really bought into the group,” said Friend.