Vodacom Super Rugby
Spencer helps out at Sharks
2013-01-18 10:16
Durban - Carlos Spencer, the former Blues and All Black flyhalf, and
assistant to John Mitchell at the Lions, will be spending time with the
Sharks as they prepare for their 2013 Vodacom Super Rugby campaign.
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According to the Sharks' online editor, Michael Marnewick, a mercurial player, much in the mould of French international Frederic
Michalak who spent a few seasons with the Sharks, Spencer played 93
times for the Blues during a purple period in the team’s history, also
playing 35 times for New Zealand before embarking on a career in the
Northern Hemisphere, making over 100 appearances for Northampton Saints.
He has enjoyed a period with the Lions, working closely with Elton
Jantjies and this year will get the opportunity to work with Pat Lambie
in a coaching capacity.
“His experience as a player and the opportunity for us to use him - no
one was - was great for us,“ explains coach John Plumtree. “He loves
his coaching and his knowledge of flyhalf and backline play is
invaluable, he will also be looking at kicking skills, he was a great
tactical kicker himself and he is really good at passing on his
knowledge.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to use him here and it’s good
for the players to have a change. Because he’s going to be here for a
couple of weeks, he can enjoy himself and get to know the players which
can only be of benefit for everyone.
“I was really impressed with what he did with Elton Jantjies.”
Carlos Spencer said he was thrilled to be in Durban with the Sharks and looked forward to working with the team.
“I’m really looking forward to it; Plum (John Plumtree) invited me to
come here and spend a couple of weeks with the Sharks, obviously to have
a look at Pat Lambie and a few of the other boys. I’m really happy to
be here.
“The Sharks have always been a very competitive side, they’ve always
been up there amongst the top teams, be it Currie Cup or Super Rugby.
They’ve always had a very dominant forward pack and backed that up with
some pretty skilful backs. They are always challenging for a top four
spot and finals, they’re an exciting team to watch.
“They play a good brand of rugby, one I enjoy as well as, being an attacking player.
“They came close last year and hopefully they can do it this year, I’m looking forward to it, to see how they go this year.”
Working primarily with the flyhalves, he will spend a lot of time with
Pat Lambie during his stay with The Sharks. “I enjoyed my time with
Elton, he’s an exciting and skilful player, Pat is built along the same
lines. He’s one of those up and coming players with a lot of skill and
one certainly for the future - both for The Sharks and South African
rugby. I’m looking forward to spending a bit of time with him and
hopefully I can share a few of my ideas with him and teach him a bit of
stuff.”
Sharks coach John Plumtree (left) and Carlos Spencer (Photo: Michael Marnewick)