The son of legendary All Blacks and Blues fly-half Carlos Spencer, Payton, marked his New Zealand Sevens debut with two tries against Uruguay on Friday.
Spencer, 18, grabbed a brace and set up another try in the 45-7 victory as the All Blacks Sevens opened their tournament account in decent style in Sydney.
Carter to Spencer
His first score came from another familiar name, Carter, but Leroy is no relation to Dan, with Spencer showing his pace as he breezed under the uprights.
The youngster looked very much at home at senior level as his first tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series illustrated what potential the player has.
That impressive try on three minutes was followed by Spencer assisting Brady Rush’s score four minutes into the second half as New Zealand pulled away.
Like father, like son 💫
Payton Spencer grabs his first try for @nz_sevens! 👊
The son of former All Black Carlos Spencer #Sydney7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/lkWXvu1kYU
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) January 27, 2023
Spencer was not done there though, as he again showed his pace to claim his second try before Akuila Rokolisoa went over for the final score of the game.
“Not bad at all. I wasn’t expecting to score any, let alone two so yeah it is neat,” Spencer told the All Blacks Sevens Twitter account after his debut effort.
“It all feels quite magical at the moment to say the least so it’s amazing, (I feel) privileged,” he added following a special first run-out to his Sevens career.
Two tries on debut –
Click Here: Fjallraven Kanken Art Spring Landscape Backpacksnot bad aye, Payton?#Sydney7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/Vsv7QHqvC3— NZ Sevens (@nz_sevens) January 27, 2023
Carlos Spencer played for the All Blacks 44 times, scoring 383 points, with his mercurial talent keeping supporters on the edge of their seat during games.
It appears that Payton is a chip off the old block as he starts his senior career on the Sevens circuit, with a move to XVs no doubt soon on the horizon.
The All Blacks Sevens, who are atop World Rugby’s Sevens Series table, are keen to respond from last week’s loss in the final to Argentina in Hamilton.