By DAVID LEGGAT
1st five-eighth
Age: 27
Height: 1.84m
Weight: 95kg
NPC team: Auckland
Super 12: Blues
Super 12: 83
Test debut: 1997
Test caps: 22
Cometh the hour ...
As the old saying goes, this could be the cup of Carlos.
If Carlos Spencer finds his best form early, then retains it
and guides the All Blacks to victory he will be hailed from Kaitaia to Bluff.
A brilliant runner who brings a youthful zest to his game, he has long been known as a rich talent. When he is in prime form he exudes confidence.
However, he does have an inconsistent streak which leaves him with a big question mark against his name in the public's eyes, most especially when it comes to goalkicking.
At his best, he is undoubtedly among the game's best No 10s, a natural entertainer.
Having played his first All Black game in 1995 - thus meaning his career has run parallel to Andrew Mehrtens - Spencer is now free of the long shadow cast by the brilliant, but out of sorts and unwanted Cantabrian.
So he has had this year to grow into the position and establish it as his own.
So far so good. It hasn't been a perfect year but his running gift suits the speed and flair of the All Blacks' wide men.
The issue of goalkicking is the hot potato.
A quick look at what happened at the Wellington Cake Tin when England came to town this year shows how critical it will be.
In Jonny Wilkinson the English have the premier Deadeye Dan in the game. The All Blacks will fancy themselves scoring more tries than most, including England, during the tournament.
But if the two strongest fancies, the All Blacks and England, contest the November 22 final, tries will be at a premium. Goalkicking will be hugely influential.
The All Black management have expressed their confidence in Spencer. They are right to as relates to his running game; they may have had their fingers crossed behind their backs as to the kicking part of the deal.
