Bundee Aki has been backed to set Ireland's emotional tempo against Samoa this weekend.

Aki was born in Auckland to Samoan parents but joined Connacht in 2014 and qualified for Ireland on residency.

The 29-year-old has warmed to life in Galway both on and off the pitch and has become an integral part of Joe Schmidt's Ireland side.

"From a coach's point of view, it's his resilience and ability to be able to play every week," said Murphy.

"We've had a situation where himself, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose and Chris Farrell have been fighting it out for those positions, but Bundee is the one guy who has probably been available most of the time.

"It's been fantastic to have him, he's come into the group and fitted in really well.

"He loves living down in Galway, he's a big part of the community down there, but within the group he's taken a big stride on this year and is getting into leadership roles. He drives the team both on and off the pitch."