The Sharks official website has confirmed that former Lions backline coach Carlos Spencer will be helping the team with their Super Rugby preparations, on a temporary basis.
Spencer will be helping out as a specialist skills and kicking consultant, working with all the backs, but primarily with Pat Lambie and the other flyhalves in the squad.
Speaking to Sharksrugby website editor Michael Marnewick, head coach John Plumtree confirmed his excitement at what he hopes Spencer can bring. “His experience as a player and the opportunity for us to use him was great for us. He loves his coaching and his knowledge of flyhalf and backline play is invaluable, he will also be looking at kicking skills, he was a great tactical kicker himself and he is really good at passing on his knowledge.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to use him here and it’s good for the players to have a change. Because he’s going to be here for a couple of weeks, he can enjoy himself and get to know the players which can only be of benefit for everyone.
“I was really impressed with what he did with Elton Jantjies.”
Spencer himself added: “I’m really looking forward to it; Plum invited me to come here and spend a couple of weeks with The Sharks, obviously to have a look at Pat Lambie and a few of the other boys. I’m really happy to be here.
“The Sharks have always been a very competitive side, they’ve always been up there amongst the top teams, be it Currie Cup or Super Rugby. They’ve always had a very dominant forward pack and backed that up with some pretty skilful backs. They are always challenging for a top four spot and finals, they’re an exciting team to watch.
“They play a good brand of rugby, one I enjoy as well as, being an attacking player.
“They came close last year and hopefully they can do it this year, I’m looking forward to it, to see how they go this year.”
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Plum involving a specialist coach, albeit for only a few weeks, is probably a major step for Plum.
Always thought Spencer was the reason behind Elton’s success, ’cause Elton really sucked playing for the junior Boks.
Great new for Lambie and the rest of the backs. I cant wait to see Lambie executing some of King Carlos chip kicks and delayed passes.
Is it too much to hope that he stays on in a more permanent role….perhaps as replacement of one of the current assistant coaches? 🙄
So the general consensus is that this is a brilliant idea. And I agree
So how long is a few weeks exactly?
Nice idea. That backline is in desperate need of some input and skills.
Excellent. Now to snaffle him for the rest of the season. Few weeks is faaaar too short!!
@Caratacus (Comment 7) : let’s see…. I suspect budget might be a problem
“Because he’s going to be here for a couple of weeks, he can enjoy himself and get to know the players which can only be of benefit for everyone.”
That statement from Plum certainly implies that they are trying to come to an agreement for a more permanent position. What is the point of “getting to know the players” if he is not planning to be back. Just my opinion of course, with absolutely no inside knowledge. 😉
@Dancing Bear (Comment 9) : hola mi amigo 🙂
Hope your weather is better than ours!
@robdylan (Comment 10) : Howzit Rob. Yes, much better, cold but beautiful and sunny today. We were threatened with a big snowstorm yesterday, but we got absolutely nothing. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Getting back to rugby, I believe that if Lambie is to remain injury free this year, combined with being named the Sharks 10, input from Spencer and input from Butch will have a breakthrough year, quite possibly cementing his spot with the Boks. Regardless of who comes back from injury.
@Dancing Bear (Comment 11) : yeah, all good thanks. Got about an inch of the white stuff today, so of course, everything has gone into complete meltdown
@Dancing Bear (Comment 12) : in other words, he’s going to have the year we all thought he was going to have last year? 🙂 Fair call, though… I think he’s going to rock.
Would love to have balie swart in as a front row specialist coach …
@byron (Comment 15) : we used to…. not sure what happened.
@robdylan (Comment 16) : Rob I want to try my hand at writing an article -where can I send it?info or admin?
Looking at the team’s training photos… old King Carlos looks by far the most muscularly defined guy on the field. I reckon if he made himself available he could still nail down a starting berth in our team 😉
@Talent (Comment 17) : mail your piece to [email protected]
I wonder how much Butch James had to do with Carlos coming to help out the Sharks.
@CS (Comment 18) : where can we see these photos 🙂
Smart move by the Sharks. Any money invested in Spencer should pay off well.
Glad to see King Carlos at the Sharks. That is what Pat needed. I think with King Carlos and Butch there this year will be a good one for Pat!!!!!!!!!!!
Was never a massive fan of Spencer as a player, but he really seems to have had a hand in Jantjies’ development. Glad to have him onboard to guide Patrick and perhaps some of the U20 lads. Butch and Carlos are quite differing players, should offer some good guidance to young Patrick.
@Here be dragons (Comment 24) : And in our unique Lambie, we have a player humble, willing and hungry enough to learn from his “elders” and teammates.
Very rare these days, that’s what makes him such a special player.