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Wed 8 Feb 2012 | 06:24
Carlos Spencer highlights from the Blues' 2003 winning season

9
Comments

Super Rugby kicks into gear again soon as the focus shifts down south, with rugby fans spoilt for choice over the next few months. Here's a look at one of Super Rugby's greatest ever players, in one of his best ever years. 

This video was posted earlier today on the official Blues website and while it's got some questionable music and no original commentary unfortunately, it's still worth having a look at as it shows some of Spencer's most memorable moments in that famous blue jumper.

In 2003 the Auckland Blues won the Super 12 title, and their team was littered with talent, particularly in the backs. Joe Rokocoko had one of his best ever years, and as if that wasn't enough to deal with for opposition defenders, they also had a guy named Rupeni Caucau to contend with.

Doug Howlett, Rico Gear, and Mils Muliaina were also floating about, not to mention Spencer, who controlled the ship beautifully from ten and thanks to his formiddable forward pack, had a platform from which to launch their lethal back division.

Spencer ran circles around the opposition and had one of his best ever seasons, producing moments of magic that will never be forgotten by those who were privileged enough to watch him at play. Those who have followed his career will fondly remember him as one of the greatest entertainers the game has seen.

Nowadays King Carlos is giving back, and doing a great job, as backline coach at the Lions in Johannesburg. Enjoy the video, and check out the related posts for more Spencer magic.

Courtesy of theblues.co.nz

Posted By: Grant Constable

9 Comments

  • coops
    2:29 PM 09/02/2012

    So free.

    On his day, an absolute genius.

  • cheyanqui
    12:43 AM 09/02/2012

    CanCon -- great point. Two hands on ball is such a vitally important skill, as it actually creates space (keeps defenders having to respect your passing options). Few people do it -- I think because they are more concerned with getting that little fraction of an increase in their foot speed.

    It brings up an interesting decision -- what should national team coaches / selectors measure when they time players at camps?

    You could argue that you could time them running the 40 metres:
    No ball in hand
    Ball in one hand
    Ball in both hands

    it may matter less for wingers (two hands on the ball is less of a concern for wingers), -- but perhaps it's a good measurement for 10-12-13, as well as sevens players.

  • cheyanqui
    12:35 AM 09/02/2012

    As great as any other Kiwi flyhalf has been in the professional era, give me King Carlos anyday.

    Carlos Spencer may have had a few shockers, but no matter what, he always entertained.

    As great as Dan Carter may be, he's predictably predictable. Carlos Spencer was always predictably unpredictable.

  • 12:15 AM 09/02/2012

    fantastic player, textbook on always having two hands on the ball, unfortunately he was a lil too in love with the slight
    of hand and occasionally threw the ball away necessarily, as the video displays

  • gar1990
    11:23 PM 08/02/2012

    i don't know if its because of the ..questionable music.. but he just makes everything look soooo effortless

  • dutchie
    10:38 PM 08/02/2012

    I think questionable is an understatement, but otherwise a great clip from a great rugby player

  • sithepie
    9:27 PM 08/02/2012

    Incredible hands, what a player.

  • ramrugby10
    8:57 PM 08/02/2012

    NZ is a little behind when it comes to pop culture... I think this song just came out last month... Top of the charts for 4 weeks running!

  • philthy
    8:46 PM 08/02/2012

    Great clip of one of the players I followed when I started playing rugby. Bit of a doug howlett highlight clip as well!

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