Spencer key to Auckland's quest

By WYNNE GRAY

An ambition to regain his All Black jersey persuaded Carlos Spencer to keep his talents in New Zealand.

The main beneficiaries of that decision have been Auckland, with Spencer one of the strongest achievers this season in a side who battled to the Air New Zealand-sponsored NPC playoffs.

Once more the performance of the 26-year-old five-eighths is central to Auckland's quest to beat Canterbury in the opening semifinal on Saturday in Christchurch.

Spencer tries to deflect that theory on several fronts. He is not ducking the challenge, but he talks about the team game and how the Auckland pack will need to compete vigorously with their opponents.

"I have to do what is best for the team," he said yesterday. "I have to stick to the game plan which we have sorted out."

Spencer accepts that his team-mates have looked more towards him for inspiration and direction since the exodus of experienced backs such as Adrian Cashmore and Craig Innes.

"You can't beat experience. It is vital and Auckland are rebuilding. It happens to everyone - just look at how Canterbury were a few years ago."

Auckland probably wish they could enforce that time-warp for their second meeting with Canterbury within a fortnight. But the reality is they have to come up with some new ideas for round two.

"We just have to get stuck into them, though they have been through a lot together and have shown in the Super 12 and NPC how tough they are," Spencer said. "It will take everything to top them. We did all right in the first half last time, but then dropped away. You can only defend for so long."

With his revitalised form and the selection of a new All Black coach, Spencer is looking to add to his 12 test caps, or at least get a national recall, for the tour to Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.

About 18 months ago Spencer was being heavily wooed by the Leicester club to take up a lucrative contract. It was tempting, especially as he was struggling with rehabilitation after his serious knee injury at the 1999 World Cup.

"I didn't sign because I love playing for New Zealand and it would be awesome to do that again," he said.

Spencer's knee is now fully repaired, though it makes some strange noises and can stiffen up after matches.

But it has not distracted him during his sound NPC schedule.

"I think I have mixed my game up quite well. The goalkicking has been good, and that is always pleasing.

"I have been doing a lot of work on the tactical side of the game, a lot on my fitness and have been doing plenty of work with Grant Fox."

Spencer and each of his team-mates will have to reproduce their best to topple Canterbury this weekend And if Spencer compares favourably with Andrew Mehrtens, he may have done enough to get back in black.