Wallabies in fear of 'King Carlos'

The boot of Jonny Wilkinson may be keeping England's World Cup dream alive but he has a rival for the title of world rugby's perfect 10 - New Zealand's Carlos Spencer.

That is the verdict of Wallaby fly-half legend Mark Ella, who watched Spencer orchestrate the All Blacks' comprehensive 29-9 quarter-final defeat of South Africa on Saturday.

"If I had to choose between Spencer and Jonny Wilkinson, I'd be going to the game to watch Carlos. He's a genius," raved the 1980s superstar Ella, after seeing Spencer set up two of the All Blacks three tries.

He sealed his virtuoso performance by delivering the outrageous pass between his legs to enable Joe Rokocoko to score the third try. After a quiet start to the event, it was a display which indicated that Spencer is running into form.

In contrast to Wilkinson, who has looked almost drained by the responsibility, there appears to be a swagger about the man who is known as 'King Carlos'.

With so many Australians writing off the prospects of their champions being able to resist the All Blacks in Saturday's semi-final in Sydney, Ella said: "The Wallabies simply have to find a way to shut Spencer down.

"He's quick, he's got the flick pass and he can chip the ball or send it 60 metres."