Payton Spencer named for Super Rugby debut against Waratahs

Payton Spencer, the son of All Blacks icon Carlos Spencer, can make his Super Rugby debut this weekend after being named on the bench for the Blues’ showdown with the Waratahs in Sydney.

The 21-year-old generated plenty of hype coming out of a successful high school career at the production house that is Hamilton Boys’ High School, and has continued to show flashes of potential during a short stint with the New Zealand Sevens and in his two seasons in the NPC.

There are several new generation talents spread across the Blues’ selected matchday squad, with Malachi Wrampling earning his first Super Rugby start after impressing in his debut off the bench last weekend. Cody Vai also retains his place in the starting XV.

Meanwhile, on the bench, Marcel Renata and Taufa Funaki add experience to an otherwise youthful group that includes James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Che Clark, Torian Barnes, Xavi Taele, and Spencer.

Elsewhere in the matchday team, Hoskins Sotutu is rested, and Pita Ahki returns to start at inside centre.

“The Waratahs are always a dangerous side, particularly at home in Sydney, so we’ll need to be accurate and disciplined for 80 minutes,” Blues head coach Vern Cotter said, backing his young reserve unit.

“Our focus has been on continuing to adapt and improve our game. We’ve built a strong foundation this season, so it’s about ensuring we keep growing.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

0

Draws

0

Wins

5

Average Points scored

14

38

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Blues team to play the Waratahs

1. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (158)
2. Bradley Slater (2)
3. Sam Matenga (3)
4. Josh Beehre (32)
5. Sam Darry (38)
6. Anton Segner (43)
7. Dalton Papali’i (c) (102)
8. Malachi Wrampling (1)
9. Finlay Christie (73)
10. Beauden Barrett (46)
11. Caleb Clarke (80)
12. Pita Ahki (18)
13. AJ Lam (63)
14. Codemeru Vai (5)
15. Zarn Sullivan (47)

Reserves

16. James Mullan (8)
17. Mason Tupaea (13)
18. Marcel Renata (71)
19. Che Clark (5)
20. Torian Barnes (4)
21. Taufa Funaki (36)
22. Xavi Taele (10)
23. Payton Spencer (debut)

Injury list

Cameron Christie (knee, season)
Corey Evans (ankle)
Joshua Fusitu’a (elbow)
Jordan Lay (concussion)
Laghlan McWhannell (concussion)
Sam Nock (concussion)
Stephen Perofeta (calf)
Patrick Tuipulotu (shoulder)
Flyn Yates (neck)