New Zealand captain Sam Cane brutally KICKS pitch invader sending his shoe flying before issuing grovelling apology

NEW ZEALAND rugby captain Sam Cane KICKED a pitch invader following his side's win over Argentina on Saturday.

The All Blacks claimed a comfortable 41-12 victory in The Rugby Championship in South America.

But the headlines were made by skipper Cane, 31, immediately after the final whistle.

A video captured from the stands showed the rugby star swinging his leg and catching a fan who had run onto the pitch and made it close to the New Zealand huddle.

And Cane was swift to apologise for his actions just hours later.

Speaking on Instagram, he said: "After the game someone ran onto the pitch and I made an error in judgment and played a part in stopping him.

"I acknowledge this was not my role and it is out of character of 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."

He then later added: "Through the help of many good people, I managed to track down Roman.

"Had a good catch up with him and his friends and I’m glad that we could leave things in a good place."

The clip went viral on social media, with one person saying: "This seems upside down to me. Pitch invader should be the one apologising."

And another added: "The kick is quite aggressive but it’s natural instincts for athletes I think. Especially the entitlement that comes with the pitch invasion.

"Players work their lives to earn a spot on that pitch and some muppet runs through it for a laugh? Not cool."

But someone else took a different stance, responding: "He [Cane] should be banned for this."