Carlos Spencer Tribute- "The King" Rare Footage
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Published 2015-07-01
He made his first Test appearance for the All Blacks against Argentina in 1997, landing 33 points in a 93-8 win. He struggled to fight his way past Andrew Mehrtens into the All Blacks jersey on a regular basis, often finding himself on the bench until 2002.
Having been selected for the All Blacks' 1999 World Cup squad but not playing through injury, Spencer finally made his mark at the 2003 tournament in Australia. He will be remembered however for the loose pass that was intercepted for a try by Australia centre Stirling Mortlock, sending the All Blacks out at the quarter-final stage.
Having won the Super 12 with the Blues in 2003, Spencer moved to Northampton Saints in 2005, ruling himself out of contention to play for the All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions in order to train with his new club.
Spencer enjoyed a successful period with the Saints despite their relegation from the Premiership in 2007, becoming a senior and respected player as they fought their way out of National League One. Spencer left Northampton in January 2009 after failing to break into the first team on a regular basis following their return to the top flight.
He later signed for Premiership rivals Gloucester on a short-term deal, leaving them to return to Super 14 action with the Lions in 2010. He would eventually move into a coaching role with the Johannesburg-based franchise under fellow Kiwi John Mitchell.
All Comments (21)
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I always loved Spencer's playing style. He is truly a legend!
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A lot to be said about running with the ball in both hands,allways gave himself options🤙legend!!
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Spencer was an enigma. In his prime he was gifted a special player ahead of his time. He was also risky at times but that was the kind of player he was
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It takes a damn Legend to casually walk over the try line and plant the ball in the corner and successfully kick the conversion against The Saders themselves.... 🤙
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I might go to the grave (It'll take a fair bit to convince otherwise) that 2003 Blues backs; 10: Spencer 11. Rokocoko 12. Tuitupou 13. Muliaina 14. Rupeni 15. Howlett was the best back line in non-test history.
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This guy literally changed the way 10s play today. Apart from general kicking and game management, the courage to attack the game line and doing things that you only do at touch is amazing.
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The try against crusaders might be my favourite moment ever in rugby 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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Carlos Spencer, in my opinion, was one of the best attacking first fives in the all black jersey. A great example of running with the ball in two hands, which gives you options on attack, and puts the opposition in to minds. His skills and decision making were on another level. He had charisma, pace, and a pretty handy goal kicker. He was awesome when he played for the Maori team as well. I met him in Gisborne 2004-05, promoting and signing his book. He was very humble and down to earth.
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King Carlos, my favorite player.The man was gifted. Thanks for putting this together.
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That 2003 blues team HAS to be one of the greatest super teams of all time - Meeuws, woodcock, mealamu, Ali, Mika, Tuialii, Devine, Spencer, Ai’i, tuitupou, rokocoko, Tipoki, howlett, caucaunibuca, muliaina CRAZY squad
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One of my all time favourite players. Much preferred him to Merhtenz. Probably still pick Larkham or Carter first in a tight game, but before Benji, Quade and Johnson, there was King Carlos! Much respect from across the ditch.👍
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One of my favourite rugby players ever.
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As a saffer, this guy just killed us on the field in his prime! What a legend!
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I certainly don't consider myself anything close to aficionado on rugby(I mostly watch&enjoy the Internationals)but Carlos Spencer was a Magician on the field..The way he attacked the space,faked&then releases the ball at just the right time,the accuracy of his kicking,speed&power&so on.. Absolutely unreal!And anyone who has had the opportunity to watch(be entertained,because after all team sports were supposed to entertain the public)this Genius can count themselves most fortunate..A true "All Black" Legend-among many of course..
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Spencer was the Master blaster for the Auckland Blues back then, wow forgot how much of a powerhouse the Blues use to be 14yrs ago. Come on Blues turn it back on.
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King Carlos has still got it and is humble and the ultimate ambassador for rugby 🏉 and for New Zealand. Forever a fan of this local legend!
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One of the best to ever play the game
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thanks ! That's how I got into rugby with that amazing fellow ! A great player, epic and so generous ! what a pleasure to watch him play - he loves the game and you can see it !
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3:42 this is one of the greatest moments in Super Rugby history. Carlos was hated down in Christchurch. He had mega beef with them and the Crusaders being an Aucklander and what not. The score was 29-31 to the Blues with minutes to go when he decided he would pass and run rather than kick and waste time. And instead of just casually popping the ball down the second he hit the try line he decided he would dart off into the corner and try. To complete it off he then converted the kick and gave the crowd a cheeky middle finger salute.
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For me the best fly half that I have had the pleasure of watching
