There were no outrageous trick plays or taunting of the crowd, but Payton Spencer definitely has his old man’s cheek.
“This guy’s getting old,” Spencer said of famous father Carlos as the pair were interviewed by Stan Sport’s Morgan Turinui on Saturday.
Turinui found the smiling Spencer family in the Allianz Stadium stands after the Blues had finished over the top of the NSW Waratahs in a 35-20 Super Rugby win.
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Payton Spencer of the Blues in action. Getty
Payton, 21, made his Blues debut in Sydney – coming off the bench for a 30 minute stint at fullback.
A former New Zealand sevens rep and promising cricketer, Payton took the field for the Black Caps in a Test before making his professional rugby debut.
Payton was a substitute fielder against the West Indies in Hamilton.
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And it was appropriate that he made his Blues debut in a retro jersey celebrating 30 years of Super Rugby.
“Pretty surreal to be honest, coming on with a bit of time left on the clock. It was just all excitement, to pull on this jersey for the first time. It was a pretty special moment,” Payton said.
Carlos is one of the most exciting players in rugby history and wore the All Blacks jersey in 44 Tests between 1995-2004.
Blues star Carlos Spencer dodges his way through the Crusaders midfield. Getty
Turinui shared some memories of playing against ‘King Carlos’ during his imperious 2003 season.
“I wasn’t even born in 2003,” Payton – who gets called ‘Prince’ – pointed out.
“I’ve seen quite a bit on YouTube and Instagram. Enough to know that he wasn’t bad in his day… I’ll get a phone call in about an hour or so – you should have done this, should have done that. But no, I wouldn’t want it any other way. He’s got a soft side as well.”
Morgan Turinui talks to Payton and Carlos Spencer. Stan
Payton is one of three son-of-a-guns in the current Blues side.
Winger Caleb Clarke’s father is ex-All Blacks centre Eroni and No.8 Hoskins Sotutu’s old man is Fijian great Waisake.
“It’s a very special moment to put on this blue and white jersey.”
Payton Spencer of the Blues in action. Getty
Carlos is now a coach and has just turned 50 – a fact Stan Sport’s Michael Hooper couldn’t get his head around.
Dad was “super proud” of the chip off the old block, who displayed sharp footwork and went close to scoring near the end of the game.
“He’s showed a bit of resilience over the last couple of years with injury,” Carlos said.
“So he’s finally had his opportunity. Just emotional, you know, and it probably won’t really sink in until tomorrow or untll we sit down and have a couple of drinks together.
“To see him run out there for the first time and, most of all, get that victory after being under the pump for most of that game – just super stoked for him. I’m very proud of him.”