Spencer has role to play

When Sir Clive Woodward suggested the All Blacks may play Daniel Carter and Carlos Spencer alongside each other against the Lions, he quickly dismissed it as unlikely.

It was almost as if after suggesting it he realised it was actually a very good idea and then moved to strike it from the record for fear of the All Blacks implementing it.

Either that or he wanted to give the impression he thought it was a smart ploy and goad the All Black coaches into doing something manifestly daft.

Certainly at the start of the 2004 test campaign, Graham Henry and his fellow coaches were convinced playing Spencer at 10 and Carter at 12 gave them the right balance. But by the time the side limped home from South Africa a new plan had been hatched. Carter was no longer the apprentice. He was going to be the sorcerer and after three mature, classy outings in Europe, the perennial debate about who should play first five for the All Blacks has thankfully been given a rest.

Agreement has been reached that Carter is the only option. Spencer is yesterday's man.

Woodward is definitely a huge admirer of Carter, comparing him with his own pride and joy, Jonny Wilkinson. What he was suggesting, then, was instead of putting Spencer on the scrap heap, why not think outside the square and use his talents in a different role.

"I think the All Black backs virtually pick themselves," said Woodward when he spoke exclusively to the Herald on Sunday. "They are just waiting on one centre. I'm a big fan of Aaron Mauger, but he wasn't fit on the tour. There's a kid from Auckland who didn't go on tour, Ben Atiga, who is a good player. They're spoilt for choice, Tana [Umaga] could play 12 or 13. They could also go back to Spencer and Carter, but I don't think they will."

Woodward's probably right. It's hard to see Spencer starting at second five. He has seldom played there and with Umaga, Mauger, Sam Tuitupou and Luke McAlister, it's hardly as if coach Graham Henry is short of options. So it's tempting to tell Woodward to keep his crackpot theories to himself.

Conversely, it's also tempting to give the idea some thought, but adapt it slightly. Why not re-invent Spencer as an impact player? Bring him on at second five with 20 minutes to go when there will be more space and opportunity for him to single out tired defenders.

Carter can keep the shape and pump the touchlines if need be. Spencer can do what he does best, play instinctive football.

Woodward says: "Past Lions' series have hinged on a magic moment from one of the backs."

Spencer remains one of the few players in world rugby with the ability to blow a game open.

Which is why Lee Stensness, the former All Black who bounced between 10 and 12 for most of his career, can see some sense in the idea, although he thinks Spencer could make an impact from both first five and fullback.

"Bringing Carlos off the bench is an option. Using him when the defences are a bit slacker would help him create more space. But he could also do that from the start of the match. I'm not sure how comfortable he'd be at second five. I still think he's a great first five."

Woodward has proven himself adept at finding new roles for players. He shifted Jason Robinson from wing to fullback and even played him at centre and converted Austin Healey from halfback to wing - both became British Lions.

Spencer and Carter in the midfield seemed like a grand plan last year. Give it a twist and it could have merit once more. 

 - HERALD ON SUNDAY