All Blacks backs can light up Cup

Carlos Spencer reckons the All Blacks can light up what has been a cagey World Cup so far with the most exciting back line in the competition.

The New Zealand fly-half, with the Maori background, has been given the honour of leading the Haka when the All Blacks play Tonga in Pool D tomorrow morning - but Spencer is more concerned about dancing around the opposition in the elusive fashion he has made his trademark.

“It is a great privilege for me to lead the Haka, especially because there are a lot of experienced guys out there,” said Spencer, who won the nod for this World Cup over the experienced Andrew Mehrtens.

“A lot of flair is involved in my game, and that is how I have always played it. I have been criticised for that at times – but I am not going to change the way I play and never will.

“The forward pack have done their job this year, and that has made my job a whole lot easier. If you have a pack which is going forward and they are giving you good ball that is great.

“With conditions the way they are, a forward pack that is dominant and very exciting backs with game-breakers there are tries to be scored.”

Spencer, however, is not content with making and scoring tries.

He also wants back the goal-kicking job, which tomorrow has been handed to replacement outside centre Leon MacDonald, who gets his chance in the absence of the injured Tana Umaga.

It was Spencer’s missed kicks which effectively consigned New Zealand to defeat against England in Wellington last June – but he is adamant he wants to perform the role.

“I would like to have it back,” confirms 27-year-old Spencer.

“Leon has got the job this week – and we are obviously able to share it around, which is great.

“But it is early days and important we don’t peak too soon. We still have a lot to work on but we have scored some good tries in the last couple of games.”

Spencer was bored with the combative nature of England’s match against South Africa last weekend but expects all the big sides to be holding something back for the business end of the tournament.

“That match was pretty physical but was not very exciting,” he said.

“It was a true Test match where both sides got into each other but neglected to score tries when they had opportunities.

“I am sure, though, that every side is holding something back. No side will want to show all their cards right now. They will want to leave something in the bag – and we will as well.”