'Genuine deep cut': Picture of gruesome Sam Cane head injury revealed

New Zealand back-row Sam Cane has revealed the extent of a head injury sustained during his side’s gritty 23-13 victory over Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.

Former skipper Cane exited the game in the final minutes after a head injury requiring stitches, potentially sidelining him for New Zealand’s upcoming Test against France in Paris.

"Sam Cane needed stitches and he's undergoing an HIA (head injury assessment). The doctor had a hell of a job, it was a genuine deep cut," head coach Scott Robertson told NZ press overnight.

The 32-year-old was relentless in Dublin and was instrumental in the All Blacks’ victory, leading New Zealand’s tackle count with nine and absorbing several big hits in a fiercely physical encounter.

Ireland’s hopes of revenge for last year’s 28-24 World Cup quarter-final loss to the All Blacks fell short, ending their 19-match unbeaten run in Dublin. Will Jordan’s try and six penalties from Damian McKenzie sealed the visitors' win, overshadowing Ireland’s promising start to the second half, which briefly reduced the deficit after a try from Josh van der Flier and eight points from Jack Crowley.

The highly anticipated rematch was billed as a contest between world heavyweights but it was New Zealand who controlled much of the first half, with only tight last-ditch defending from Ireland keeping the score within reach.

It didn't come without a physical cost for Cane, who received the nasty gash to the head a few minutes before the full time whistle was blown. It required at least eight stitches to his forehead but 'warrior' Cane didn't seem too put out.

Sam Cane's nasty-looking cut to the forehead.