All Blacks captain Sam Cane kicking an Argentinian pitch invader threatens to distract from arguably the toughest challenge in world rugby, threatening preparations to face the Springboks this weekend.
On Sunday, following the All Blacks' impressive 41-12 win over Argentina in Mendoza, Cane was captured kicking a man who had run onto the field, before he was apprehended by security.
Cane, 31, has since apologised on social media but could face further punishment from SANZAAR, southern hemisphere rugby's governing body.
For veteran commentator Tony Johnson, who has witnessed Cane's entire career with the Chiefs and All Blacks, the action came completely out of the blue.
But with the All Blacks quickly having to pivot and plan to face the world champions on home soil for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, their captain's actions could take away from arguably their biggest week before this year's World Cup in France.
"What was he thinking? It's a bit hard to get the head around this," Johnson told AM. "It's just so totally out of character for Sam Cane - a player within the game held in the highest regard.
"There's no way around it, what he's done here is not a good thing. It's certainly not a good look for any sportsperson, let alone the All Black captain.
"I suppose the thing he'll be regretting amongst others, is it's threatening to take away from what was a really good performance by the All Blacks.
"It's also going to provide a distraction in the lead-up to what's going to be a cracking test match against the Springboks this weekend."
However, Johnson added the circumstances of Cane's actions also need to be taken into account, should further action await.
In 2002, as the All Blacks and South Africa met in Durban, a pitch invader attacked referee David McHugh, before Richie McCaw and AJ Venter intervened.
Neither McCaw nor Venter were handed any punishment for their roles in the incident.
And while the two incidents are completely different, Johnson says that coupled with Cane's clear remorse need to be taken into account if and when further punishment follows.
"You also have to consider there's a security issue here," Johnson continued. "This kid was harmless, but I was in South Africa one time... a guy ran out and attacked the referee.
"He got punched in the face by one of the Springboks - I don't recall anyone asking for AJ Venter to be suspended as a consequence of that.
"I know SANZAAR are going to have a look at it, but they've got to be careful. If they start throwing the book at Sam Cane, they've got to start having a look at security, and why this guy was able to get out there.
"He knows he's done the wrong thing here. To his credit, he's apologised, he's front-footed it, he's made an effort to get in touch with the guy to smooth things over.
"That's the best thing he could do. Now he just has to await his fate.
"I'm sure no one regrets it more than Sam Cane does at the moment."
The All Blacks will travel from Argentina back to New Zealand, as they prepare to face the Springboks at Mt Smart on Saturday.
