McCaw's victory interview cut short

Richie McCaw. Photo / Getty Images

Captain Richie McCaw had some of his thunder stolen when Sky TV's signal failed, cutting his interview short after the All Blacks' victory over Ireland on Saturday.

Rugby fans heard McCaw speak only a few sentences in the post-match analysis of the 66-28 win before the signal was lost for about six minutes.

When it was restored, host Ian Jones made no mention of the interruption, and the network did not replay what McCaw had said or say whether he had commented on being kneed in the head by the Irish player sent off early in the game.

Viewers saw no interview with Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll.

A rugby viewer, Jack Dowd, said he was not too fazed by the signal cut but it would have been different if it had happened during the action.

"There would have been a lot of angry people if they had cut out earlier. The whole point of having Sky is watching the game live."

Sky's director of communications, Tony O'Brien, said the signal failure occurred in the post-game segment and was a technical issue caused by a localised power drop-out at the ground.

He said it was a concern for future games and Sky would conduct tests today to diagnose the problem.

"We will find out what went on and make sure it doesn't happen again."