Spencer ties Wellington up in knots

By WYNNE GRAY

Auckland 26 Wellington 13

Carlos Spencer continues to be the barometer for the Auckland rugby side.

It is a significant responsibility, even for a five-eighths with his experience, because in each game his performance tends to decide how Auckland fare.

Spencer is the linchpin, the director, the playmaker Auckland look to for inspiration.

Sometimes his guidance can be a little astray, though coach Wayne Pivac reckons he has moved from being a 50-50 player to having more of an 80-20 success rate.

On Saturday against Wellington, Spencer brought out his quality game. He was the major difference as Auckland pushed the defending NPC champions towards a likely mid-table finish.

"Without Carlos, it is fair to say, we would be a different team," Pivac agreed. "Often it seems like it is him up against a whole lot of other big names. The mixture of his performance is much better now. I think he is just about back to his best and is ready to go to the next level. We are very happy with him."

It was a case of good timing for both Auckland and Spencer, who shone as new All Black coach John Mitchell watched from the grandstand alongside his predecessor, Wayne Smith.

From the time he opened with a sweet drop goal, Spencer was in control. His punting was usually definite while his passing created the opening tries for Iliesa Tanivula and Doug Howlett.

His best moment, though, came from a scrum near halfway and in the shadow of halftime.

Spencer speared through the Wellington defence in a wondrous arcing run and sent Howlett away on an uncontested sprint to the line.

Game over, Auckland ahead 23-0. They had the advantage of a brisk wind and made impressive use of it.

Wellington replied with a masterly try from skipper Tana Umaga and had halved Auckland's lead with 25 minutes left. In the previous two games, Auckland's defence wilted for final-minute defeats, but there were no similar breaches in the final quarter.

"Our defence in that phase was a great component of this win," said Pivac. "For the loser, I think it was going to be the end of their playoff hopes."

Wellington looked lethargic, their lineout was shabby and even star backs such as Christian Cullen looked disinterested.

"We were more urgent, we had to put a lot of work into things and I think we might have been in better shape than they were after their Ranfurly Shield disappointment," said Pivac.

Auckland now travel to Christchurch for their challenge on Saturday. It doubles as an NPC match, but Pivac said the trip would be all about the shield.

"This is the biggest game of the season, this is all about playing for the major rugby trophy and it would be a dream come true if we were successful."

Pivac coached Northland in two unsuccessful challenges and remembers how fired up they were.

He said Auckland would have more confidence after beating the NPC champions. As a young side they had nothing to lose and would play accordingly.