Payton Spencer is looking to build off his breakout Sydney Sevens campaign as he follows in the footsteps of his legendary father.
The 18-year-old Spencer, son of former All Black Carlos, experienced a dream debut for the All Blacks Sevens, helping them to the Sydney Sevens title.
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It caps a remarkable rise for Spencer, who was playing First XV rugby for Hamilton Boys’ High School just last month before guiding them to the World Schools Championship in Thailand.
He got the call-up after last week's Hamilton defeat and admits it's all still sinking in.
“It’s pretty special to play my first tournament and get my debut,” Spencer said to Rugby.com.au.
“To get my debut in a stadium like this, it’s special to get the win.
“Three weeks ago I would not have thought I’d be getting my debut and flying to Sydney. To not only do that but get the win, it’s surreal.”
Spencer started the tournament on fire, scoring twice and assisting another during their 45-7 victory over Uruguay.
He followed this up with a try in the semis against France as the Kiwis built into the event, putting their past Final defeats behind them with a convincing 38-0 win over Commonwealth Games champions South Africa.
“I think we just kept it a little more simple,” he believes
“Sometimes we try and do too much and also the hurt of losing, it’s not easy losing two finals in a row and we didn’t want to make it three.
“I think all the boys played as a team and dug it out to get the win.”
After a whirlwind week, Spencer's focus is on securing his spot in the squad with the All Blacks Sevens in the box seat to claim the World Series, nine points ahead of the Blitzboks.
“It’s huge for the confidence of the boys. We know that we can win, that’s not new but the confidence is now over the moon (with that win)," he added.
“Hopefully we can keep that going into Los Angeles and hopefully I get the chance to go to LA and just keep working hard and see what happens.”
