Peter Burling playfully taunted Oracle Team USA after the defenders’ first win of the America’s Cup Match, saying it was “great to see a little fight out of these boys”.

Burling, the Emirates Team New Zealand helmsman, said he was satisfied with the Kiwis’ performance on day three of the match, having won the opening race before losing the second.

The Kiwis lead Oracle 4-1 in the first-to-seven series.

“We came out of a good battle today and managed to take another win but we feel we have plenty more to come,” Burling said.

“We didn’t sail particularly well today but it was great to walk away with another win.

“We’re really happy with the lead we have got and we’ll come back stronger, expecting a really great battle in the coming races.”

Burling admits he was surprised with the comfortable margins of his team’s victories last weekend and always expected “one hell of a battle” against Oracle.

“We felt like we gave away that last race a bit, but it is great to see a little fight out of these boys,” Burling added.

“We felt they were a little rusty last weekend but we are under no illusions.

“When we entered this we knew we were in for one hell of a battle. It was nice to get those first wins and take a lead.”

The 26-year-old insists the Kiwis are unfazed by the significant boat speed Oracle have found since last weekend’s races.

“We have an incredibly talented group of guys and we’re excited to get back out there and race again tomorrow,” he said.

“It’s no secret that when you look at our team, we are all very young and the advantage that gives us is that we are all pretty open and learn fast.”