America's Cup: Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson responds to Jimmy Spithill's dig

Jimmy Spithill seems determined to ruffle feathers before Sunday's Cup clash. Photo: Photosport

Sorry Jimmy Spithill, but you can't just expect to have a dig at New Zealanders without expecting a response.

They weren't exactly fighting words but the Oracle Team USA skipper had a cheeky pot at Team New Zealand ahead of this weekend's America's Cup battle in Bermuda.

The Australian match-racing expert, and Auckland homeowner, posted a cartoon on Instagram of an American bald eagle picking up an kiwi with the hashtag #battleofbermuda.

Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson has responded with a return serve.

The original drawing posted by Spithill was created by artist Elena Achilli following the last America's Cup. She confirmed to the Herald that the image was used on banners and t-shirts at the 34th America's Cup - but in bad news for Spithill, she's might be expecting a different result this time around.

Spithill pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history by fighting back from 8-1 down to beat Team New Zealand and defend the America's Cup in 2013.

Achilli has now created a new piece which draws Team New Zealand in a better light.

Sorry my Oracle Friends ❤️, but this time is a new story 😉 #NewSketch#AC35#GOKIWIGO#🇳🇿

Posted by Elena Achilli on Tuesday, June 13, 2017

The piece depicting a kiwi riding away from a bald eagle was posted by Team New Zealand trimmer Blair Tuke on Instagram in response to Spithill.

The two teams will square off in the first two races of the America's Cup on Sunday morning NZT in Bermuda.

Oracle Team USA won the two previous races against Team New Zealand during the qualifying series.