Carlos Spencer - King Carlos

[@MrLinwood68]

Thanks once again - I agree, this man was a great competitor and was never destined to die wondering. For what it's worth I was at that 2004 Blues/Crusaders game (at 15.35) and Spencer was never a crowd favourite here in Christchurch. After he scored that second try and cheekily ran to the corner he kicked the conversion from the sideline and gave the local supporters the big elbow. I'm from Christchurch and have followed the game since the mid 70s but the local supposedly 'one-eyed crowd' is a little more sinister than that and I guess Carlos had just had had a gutsful. Just about everyone around me thought he was an arrogant prick but it sort of made me like him even more. The game needs players like this.

[@BigSnapper]

Spencer later told media that he pulled the finger to the crowd that time in response to a $2 coin whizzing past his face. That's pretty disgusting really.

[@DAllan-lz3lg]

berry107 Good post. He always seemed to be quite humble like most kiwis so for him to react he must have been at tipping point. What a fabulous way to do it aswell.!!

[@trailrunningexperience496]

We had an Andrew merhts supporter club in our bar in Chch. Los came in for a quickie in his Harley in the off session and paid special attention to the little spirit house we had devoted to merts; he had a little chuckle about it with us. A couple of days later we got a courier delivery from Los with the boots he was wearing when they lost the 1997 npc semi (arguably the start of the crusaders success) he’s a big competitor but also a good lad!

[@russellclarke3803]

A once in a lifetime player - pure genius. Always willing to take the risks to chase the rewards. Not sure if modern rugby has a place for his like anymore - we are the poorer for it.

[@donsmall5009]

Carlos had his detractors but from the moment Graham Henry saw him at the Levin Domain that day in 1993 a star was certainly born .At his best he was magic ,end of .The Blues are still trying to replace him ,enough said .

[@JP1234815]

The Auckland Blues played a great brand of Rugby when Carlos was there. Often he would use the 'Wrap around' and the 'Dummy wrap around' to create an extra 2-1 overlap - moves you rarely see today ,

[@Reformed1-e1c]

It is used in different ways it’s just that the half back plays first five at times to create extra man. But most moves now are second man plays. It’s still cool.

[@1NABUCCO1705]

Carlos forever! Спасибо, любимый регбист на все времена!

[@Reformed1-e1c]

Carlos and Jonah caused carnage against every opposition. But his combo with Caucau was magical. Spencer was one of the few AB 10s that unlocked the South African defense.

[@terencemac6084]

The King👑

[@fleshen]

"The King" doesn't really do him justice! And also nice to see decent crowds!

[@xfilesfreak]

One of the gratest rugby players ever. I loved the video, but sadly it's not Carlos Spencer essence. He is about creation.. magic and playing, not tries.

[@johnmatrix4685]

such a joy to watch!!!.....being a league fan.....carlos and cullen would of been great signings for any NRL teams!!!!!

[@BigSnapper]

He's the greatest.

[@darthkage2163]

Hail the king

[@carmellitale-man2671]

I totally agree king doesn't honor him enough "the original toffee pop" nothing like him

[@wilfredpeterson2679]

So much to like about Carlos and the type of rugby back then. Both forwards and backs showed exceptional running and ball handling skills. Quite a few greats in these clips and McCaw would have witnessed this amazing style of rugby deteriorate to the ploddy pick and go ball retention crap were stuck with today.

[@wtfunk1875]

Nooooooooo way.... 😆😆😆😆 many thanks, and much love

[@keogan]

Gracias, king Carlos

[@ted3711]

The BOSS!!

[@skeme1213]

When the blues were unstoppable

[@salan3507]

2020 might be their year.

[@skeme1213]

You only showed tries. what about the tries created.

[@FrightF]

Crusaders may have the record but this Blues team was the best. Merhtens was the conservative choice whi kept Carlos out of the ABs most of the time. Mertens was certainly the best conversion kicker.

[@tusitaavao2677]

His man

[@cowboyup6744]

Never heard of him But now i'll never forget him ;P

[@rogerjohnson6676]

Such a mercurial player, could do things no other player could even dream of. Just a little bit inconsistent.

[@joneh9483]

Now do Joe Rokocoko

[@RealRugby]

We already have, go check out our list of videos

[@teawaruaedwards274]

World Class...easy top 10 World 1st 5s