America's Cup: Jimmy Spithill's cheeky dig at Team New Zealand

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

A bit of Kiwi-Aussie niggle ahead of the America's Cup on Sunday.

It's not exactly fighting words but Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill had a cheeky dig at Team New Zealand ahead of the America's Cup battle.

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.

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.

The piece was created by artist Elena Achilli following the last America's Cup.

However Achilli has drawn 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.