New Hurricanes coach for 2019 John Plumtree has revealed that he has wanted to join forces with All Blacks legend Carlos Spencer since their rivalry in South Africa in 2011.
Spencer, 42, played for the Lions in 2010-2011 and was part of the winning team that took out the Currie Cup against the Sharks in the final. The Sharks were coached by Plumtree at the time.
In 2012 the former All Blacks first-five joined the Lions' coaching staff.
Spencer was today announced as the Hurricanes' new 2019 assistant coach.
Plumtree credited Spencer for his influence in the new style of play in South African rugby.
"It happened a while ago and he (Spencer) won't remember but the Lions they were a pretty average franchise before John Mitchell, Johan Ackermann and Carlos took over," said Plumtree.
"Over a three-four year period they became a force in certainly South African rugby and that was through changing the style of play that South African side's play.
"That is obviously using the ball more and playing from all parts of the field and playing more of what is in front of you, similar to what we do here (Hurricanes)."
Plumtree also praised Spencer's mentoring of the Springboks' starting first five.
"Elton Jantjies benefited under Carlos, became an excellent international player and that is where I saw all that happen."
Spencer's Lions defeated Plumtree's Sharks 42-16 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg to clinch the Currie Cup title in 2011.
"The Currie Cup final that he (Spencer) is talking about was actually against the Sharks, that is not a very nice memory for me but it was a final in Johannesburg that they (Lions) beat us," said Plumtree.
"That is when I sort of sat up and looked at that coaching group and thought that it was obviously very powerful.
"Talking to other coaches like John Mitchell included, Johan Ackermann they were very complimentary in what Carlos brought to their campaign."
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