Ref mic picks up Peter O'Mahony's choice remarks for Sam Cane

Ireland back row Peter O'Mahony has never been one to shy away from the more combative side of the sport. Just ask Sam Cane.

Some six years after their first victory over the mighty All Blacks, Ireland dominated a Test to walk away with a series saving 23-12 win and a historic first victory against the men in black on New Zealand soil.

O'Mahony was at the heart of it of course. Indeed, the Munsterman is never far from the face-to-face stuff when he takes the field, and the second Test in Dunedin was no different, with the blindside literally in the faces of the All Blacks over the 80 minutes.

A few particular choice words for All Blacks back-row Cane were picked up by referee Jaco Peyper's mic.

POM when Sam Cane tries to put his hands on the decks#NZLvIRE #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/m4HoPhzUGZ

— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) July 9, 2022

“Who do you think you are? You’re a shit Richie McCaw pal," O'Mahony is reported to have told the Chiefs' veteran.

Given McCaw is arguably the greatest player to ever pull on a pair of rugby boots, it's hardly the worst thing you could say to a [professional rugby player.

It may however be a little close to the bone for Cane, who has never quite won over the wider New Zealand public or at least not quite convinced as McCaw's heir apparent on the openside. Frequent headlines decry his continued selection when fit for the All Blacks.

McCaw has been a hard act to follow and the comment will doubt be water off the duck's back for the veteran of 79 All Blacks Tests.

Whether you're a fan of sledging or not, O'Mahony certainly shone for Ireland, an eye-cathing 50:22 on the hoof the pick of the highlights from the 32-year-old.

He backed up an equally impressive first Test last week in Auckland even if on that occasion the scoreline was drastically different for the Irish.