Son of ABs legend still yet to master 'new' skill before first Cup Final

Payton Spencer hasn’t looked out of place during his debut tournament on the Sevens World Series, but the teenager is still yet to master the selfie.

The 18-year-old, who is the son of legendary All Blacks first-five Carlos Spencer, made his debut in the coveted jersey on Day One against Uruguay.

Spencer announced himself to the rugby world with two tries on debut; the first try was a particularly impressive example of his pace and skill.

The rising star did the black jersey justice after entering the fray of international rugby, and has continued to serve the legacy and aura of the shirt with pride since.

Clearly – and not to put too much pressure on him – Spencer is a superstar of the future. The teenager has so much potential, and rugby fans have seen why over the last three days.

There was a reason he was named in the All Blacks Sevens’ squad for the Sydney leg of the World Series.

But there are some things he’s still trying to get the hang of, like taking a selfie with a fan.

Before walking down the North-West tunnel of Allianz Stadium, Spencer could be seen talking a selfie with a supporter – and seemingly asking that fan how to do it.

“It’s new to me, I’ve never done it before,” he said laughing.

“Just getting the hang of it… I have no idea.”

Even though he’s been coming off the bench in most of the All Blacks Sevens’ matches in Sydney, Spencer has played his part whenever he’s taken the field.

New Zealand had to wait until quite late on Day Three to take the field for the first time, as they came up against giant killers France in the semi-final.

Spencer came off the bench and scored New Zealand’s final try, which capped off a staggering 36-5 win.

The All Blacks Sevens are now just one win away from taking out the Sydney Sevens, but South Africa stand in their way – and they look very good.

Spencer said it “would mean everything” to him if the New Zealanders could get the job done in the Sydney Sevens decider.

“That would mean everything. I’ve trained quite hard to get into this team, even though I haven’t been in there much,” Spencer told RugbyPass.

“I’ve worked my butt off so to get this win in Sydney, in my first ever tournament, would be pretty spectacular.

“I never thought I’d be in a Cup Final and playing in this kind of stadium, with this many people in the stadium especially,” he said earlier. “Hopefully we can get the win.

“I think I notice (the crowd) more in the warmup, it’s quite loud and just listening to them now.

“You don’t really notice it too much during the game but it’s when play stops that you really hear it.”

The All Blacks Sevens will take on South Africa in the Sydney Sevens Cup Final at about 8.26pm (AEDT) on Sunday night.

South Africa beat New Zealand in pool play by just three points, after converting a penalty kick with the last play of the game.

But here they are again, two fierce rivals preparing to go head-to-head once more.

For the All Blacks Sevens this game means redemption, while it’s an opportunity for their opponents to rub more salt into the wound.