New Zealand captain Sam Cane has apologised after kicking a pitch invader during his team's Rugby Championship opener in Argentina.
The three-times world champions put down a marker for this autumn's World Cup in France by roaring into a 31-0 half-time lead in Mendoza and going on to win 41-12.
But their victory was marred by the incident at the end which saw Cane swing his leg at and trip up the intruder who was being chased by stewards.
Cane went public on social media to express his remorse, writing: "After the game someone ran onto the pitch and I made an error in judgement and played a part in stopping him. I acknowledge this was not my role and it is out of character for me to act in such a way.
“I am really sorry and am disappointed in myself. I am trying my best to contact the individual to apologise and make things right.”
Cane went on to say he had since made contact with the supporter, saying it had been "a good catch up” and he was “glad that we could leave things in a good place."
New Zealand next meet world champions South Africa at Eden Park. The Springboks thumped Australia in their own opener, so the Auckland showdown is likely to decide the outcome of who wins a shortened Rugby Championship this summer.
