Rugby: Northern habits holding Spencer back – coach

Lions coach Dick Muir says Carlos Spencer’s time in the northern hemisphere restricted his vision. Photo / Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG - Lions coach Dick Muir said today the time Carlos Spencer spent playing rugby in the northern hemisphere has restricted the former All Black first five-eighth's attacking style.

Muir kept faith with Spencer when he named him in the team to play the Chiefs on Saturday (NZT), despite the 34-year-old No 10's forgettable Super 14 debut for the Lions last weekend.

Muir substituted Spencer at halftime in the 26-13 home loss to the Stormers and said his new signing needed to readjust after five years playing for Northampton and Gloucester in England's Premiership.

"For Carlos, having played in the northern hemisphere as long as he has has restricted his vision a little bit," Muir told the South African website Sport 24. "But certainly the individual doesn't lack vision. For me, it is just some old habits that are there that he has to shake off."

Spencer struggled to inspire a young Lions backline but Muir is adamant the No 10 can turn things around.

"We've had a good chat this week and I'm really confident that he will do the right job for us," Muir said.

Muir has promoted United States international Todd Clever from the bench to start at No 8 against last year's Super 14 runner-up in Johannesburg.

The Chiefs began their campaign with a 19-18 win over the Sharks in Durban.

Lions
Earl Rose, Tonderai Chavhanga, Deon Van Rensburg, Doppies La Grange, Wandile Mjekevu, Carlos Spencer, J.P. Joubert; Heinke Van der Merwe, Hannes Franklin, Ross Geldenhuys, Franco Van der Merwe, Willem Stoltz, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Derick Minnie, Todd Clever.

Reserves: Charles Emslie, JC Janse van Rensburg or Kevin Buys, Jacques Lombaard, Jonothan Mokuena, Jacques Coetzee, Burton Francis, Michael Killian.


Chiefs
Mike Delany, Dwayne Sweeney, Richard Kahui, Callum Bruce, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Junior Poluleuligaga, Sione Lauaki (captain), Luke Braid, Liam Messam, Culum Retallick, Craig Clarke, Nathan White, Aled de Malmanche, Sona Taumalolo.

Reserves: Hika Elliot, Ben Afeaki, Jarrad Hoeata, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Jackson Willison, Tim Nanai-Williams.

- AP