Aside from Johnny Sexton, Ireland could afford to lose Bundee Aki less than almost any other player. 

They will now have to move forward without him, following his red card in Ireland's huge win over Samoa on Saturday. 

The Kiwi-converted center is the most electric runner and tackler in the Ireland backline, and with a quarterfinal clash on tap with New Zealand, he would have been a vital piece to their success. 

His high tackle against Samoa was given a red card, as yet another player has fallen victim to TMO and the ever-changing guidelines on tackle height surrounding player safety. 

Ireland will likely replace Aki, who is suspended, with some center combination of Chris Farrell, Garry Ringrose, and Robbie Henshaw. 

While those are all fine options, they will struggle to bring the same X-factor as Bundee.

Aki was given a chance to appeal his suspension, but the committee ruled a three-game ban, meaning his World Cup is over.