All Blacks captain Sam Cane has issued a sporting response when asked about Irish forward Peter O'Mahony's sledge during the second test at Dunedin last weekend.
O'Mahony could reportedly be heard on referee Jaco Peyper's mic by fans making comments towards Cane during a scuffle between the pair near the end of the match.
"Who do you think you are? You're a sh*t Richie McCaw, pal," O'Mahony chirped towards the All Blacks skipper, but an ever-poised Cane admits he enjoyed the exchange.
"It's just good rugby banter," Cane responded. "It's all part of the game, I don't mind it.
"It's good stuff."
O'Mahony was a standout performer in Ireland's 23-12 victory, but is in doubt for the series decider, after he was forced from the field with an injury during the second test.
Meanwhile, Cane has come under fire for his performances in the black jersey, but remains confident he and his team can turn things around.
"We have pride in the jersey and we're not happy with what we put out. We are working really hard to make sure it doesn't happen again.
"It's about challenging your emotions in the right way. We're angry and disappointed in ourselves but there's no point dwelling on that performance too long.
"We have to pick ourselves up and shift our mindset really early and highlight things we need to get better at. That's quite energising and exciting."
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