All Blacks captain Sam Cane has taken to social media to apologise for kicking a pitch invader after New Zealand’s 41-12 win over Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
The pitch invader could be seen running around the pitch with security chasing behind. As they ran around the All Blacks, Cane swung his leg out and kicked the pitch invader, who fell to the ground but got up quickly.
“Tonight after the game someone ran onto the pitch and I made an error in judgement and played a part in stopping him,” Cane wrote on Instagram
“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.”
Sam Cane has apologised via social media for kicking a pitch invader following this morning’s test against Argentina
Goes without saying, but this is not a good look for the All Blacks captainpic.twitter.com/M6baJk518A
— Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) July 9, 2023
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s electric tempo early in the game and their clinical finishing laid made for a pleasing start to the international season for coach Ian Foster.
New Zealand ran in five tries in the first half as they led 31-0 at the break, and added two more in the second period to quieten what was expected to be a hostile crowd in Mendoza.
“The first Test (of a season) is always a bit nervy, not knowing where you are at,” Foster told reporters. “We knew for us to play with tempo, pace and purpose would be crucial and I thought we did that very well.
“We took the game away from them and probably took the crowd away from them as well.”
While the backs dazzled, Foster said the platform laid by his forwards should also draw praise.
“I was happy with the whole lot. Our scrum should be proud with the work they did, and the forwards in general with their work around the park.
“It is a good start. It sets us up well for an interesting game next week (at home against South Africa). Every week is a different challenge but overall I think we have taken some steps in the right direction.”
Foster surprised many with his selection of Damian McKenzie at fly-half ahead of Richie Mo’unga.
“He (McKenzie) looked nice and calm. He controlled the game really well from 10. I am really pleased for him,” Foster said.
But the coach was less pleased with the second-half performance as Argentina outscored the visitors 12-10.
“We lost the second half,” he said. “We weren’t as efficient with our opportunities. We like to finish strong and we did not do that today.
“That is a credit to their (Argentina’s) culture, they did not give up. I thought we opened up too much and they took their opportunities.
“There are some lessons there about when you have an opponent under pressure you have to see it through to the end.”