Spencer still the man for the Blues

Carlos Spencer is all revved up for the start of the new season.

Blues coach Peter Sloane has given Carlos Spencer a ringing endorsement as the star pivot sets about reigniting his career.

Spencer ended on a low in 2004, ruling himself out of the All Blacks' Northern Hemisphere tour because of a knee injury and to freshen up after a tough season which included a ringing head knock.

Dan Carter has in most eyes taken over as the All Black No 10, especially after the Paris triumph, and is in sublime goalkicking form.

And the up-and-coming Luke McAlister, another top goalkicker, is hot on Spencer's heels in the Blues, having already been given a tick by the All Blacks with selection on last year's tour.

But Sloane, who also has the elegant Tasesa Lavea to call on, said Spencer would once again be the man to direct the Blues' campaign from first five-eighths.

Sloane conceded Spencer was gloomy at the end of last year. But he could not have been more enthusiastic about his well-being now.

"I am absolutely delighted with where Carlos is at," Sloane said at the Blues' training ground in West Auckland.

"I don't think I've ever seen him in a better space, especially mentally. That's a real plus.

"Talking to him at the end of last year, he was battling a knee injury and quite frankly he shouldn't have been out there playing.

"But Auckland weren't travelling too well and he was trying to do the right thing by one and all.

"He didn't run from the end of the NPC to right up until close to Christmas, and has put in major rehabilitation work.

"I have never seen him looking better or contributing as much to the team culture as right now.

"If you asked any player, they are delighted with where his head space is. It's simply outstanding.

"And Carlos has never let the Blues down. He took a couple of weeks to get over a head knock last year, but he played some outstanding rugby, and we're certainly looking at him to lead us around the track again this season."

On McAlister - who tried to shift to the Hurricanes where he would have got more game time - Sloane said the North Harbour back had versatility on his side.

"Luke has played at second-five a lot in the NPC and not a lot at first-five, and he needs more time there," Sloane said.

"The All Black selectors have clearly spelled that out as well." Sloane said it had been frustrating having nine All Blacks missing until February 1, just 10 days before the opening trial against the Hurricanes.

David Gibson was at fullback and fellow halfback Ben Meyer on the wing during this week's training sessions.

"My backs coach [Joe Schmidt] just looks at me and shakes his head," Sloane said. "While of course we support the All Blacks, it has been tough. We've had only six backs most of the time."

* Rua Tipoki, who has returned to North Harbour from Bay of Plenty, has joined the squad after Ben Atiga suffered a hamstring injury. "Ben will need extensive rehab work. The concern is it has happened twice in a six- to eight-week period," Sloane said.

* Xavier Rush is set to be confirmed as the Blues captain when the whole squad, including the on-holiday All Blacks, get together for breakfast today. But Sloane said four or five other players, including Keven Mealamu, had now garnered the sort of experience that could see them lead the side at times.

* Sloane confirmed the duties of his new coaching team once the season starts. He will have overall control and coach the set pieces. Joe Schmidt will be responsible for the attack and David Nucifora the defence.