'Phenomenal': Tributes flow after Will Jordan sets All Blacks record

Tributes flowed for Will Jordan after he etched his name in All Blacks folklore by claiming the all-time try scoring record in the patchy win against Italy.

Jordan’s feats overshadowed the vast improvements the All Blacks must make before confronting Ireland at Eden Park next week.

A hat-trick from the right wing pushed Jordan past Doug Howlett as he became the first All Black to claim 50 test tries.

After two strikes against France last week in Christchurch, Jordan has found a happy home on the wing and is clearly savouring the attacking brand Rennie’s All Blacks are embracing.

“It was pretty crazy feeling the crowd and the boys came and mobbed me. They’re some of my best mates and guys I’ve played a lot of rugby with. It’s a moment I’ll remember forever,” Jordan said following the All Blacks’ 47-17 win in Wellington.

“It’s my seventh year in the team now so I’m proud to have an impact but also grateful to be on the end of the chain of some great teams and players.

“Thinking about it as a kid in the backyard doing the chip and chase loving the game, it’s cool to be here now and I hope I’ve inspired a few kids to dream big and try and do the same.

“Over the last 12 months, the record has come a bit more into focus. It’s not something I was looking to chase. I wanted to have a long career in the All Blacks jersey and it’s come through that. This year I had five to get there and it’s certainly surprised me how quickly I’ve got there. That’s the way we’re trying to play, to use the ball, and be positive.”

Will Jordan scored a hat-trick against Italy. Photo / Photosport

Jordan surpassed All Blacks greats Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, Joe Rokocoko and Jeff Wilson before eclipsing Howlett’s 49 test tries. He singled out his try in the defeat to Ireland in Wellington in 2022 – and another against the same opposition in the 2023 World Cup quarter-final – as his fondest.

“That’s the bit that humbles me the most. They’re the who’s who of the All Blacks back three. Watching them when I was younger or seeing highlights of the older guys, it’s crazy. I don’t see myself in that realm yet but it’s special to be amongst those names.

These days, Jordan isn’t worried whether he features at fullback or on the edge for the All Blacks.

“I’ve matured a little bit in that sense – 14 or 15, I feel like I’m capable of playing both to a world-class level and whatever role the team needs, that’s what I’ll do. As a winger, you get a few more tries so it’s been cool to do that over the last couple of weeks.”

If claiming the try scoring record wasn’t enough, Jordan assumed the All Blacks captaincy for the final 15 minutes after Ardie Savea departed, and with Codie Taylor and Jordie Barrett already replaced.

All Blacks Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan celebrate a try. Photo / Photosport

“It would have been nice to be a wee bit more clinical. It felt like when we did the simple things well we hurt them. There was some really good rugby for 20 or 30 minutes but we need to do it for longer.”

Dave Rennie led the tributes to Jordan, while acknowledging the All Blacks must be much better than delivering one clinical quarter with accuracy, breakdown work, ball carrying punch, attacking variety and ruthlessness all needing to improve after a patchy performance against Italy.

“I’ve only been here for 10% of his tries,” Rennie said. ”I’ve seen some from the opposition coaching box. He’s got unbelievable anticipation and genuine gas to get himself into position to take passes off linebreaks. He’s smart, understands the game really well. I’ve been really impressed with him. He’s leading our counterattack and he’s having a massive impact in that area. Fifty in 56 tests is phenomenal.

“It’s a pass mark tonight but we’ll need to be better next week.”

Savea followed Rennie to praise Jordan’s record-breaking evening in the capital.

“Special players do special things,” Savea said. “Every time Will puts on the black jersey he’s outstanding. Tonight he was again, breaking records. I’m more impressed with the impact he has on our group and his leadership, his rugby IQ and setting up our team. Tonight is a bonus that he dotted down three times.”

It was also a notable night for German-born loose forward Anton Segner and Hurricanes outside back Josh Moorby after they enjoyed extended test debuts.

All Blacks loose forward Anton Segner made his test debut against Italy. Photo / Photosport

Segner’s first All Blacks appearance capped his journey from Europe to Nelson College as a teenager to chase his rugby dream. His parents, brothers and Leicester Fainga’anuku, his college roommate, were among the sold out crowd.

“The words that describe it the best are a dream come true,” Segner said. “Back in Germany when I was nine years old, it was a distant dream, if a dream at all. I remember getting up in the middle of the night to watch the All Blacks play the 2011 World Cup, watching them do that haka. Being able to experience that firsthand today was special. There’s a lot of emotion. It’s a very special time for me and my family.”

Moorby replaced Leroy Carter, after he suffered an AC shoulder injury, late in the first half and was among the All Blacks’ best to celebrate his 28th birthday in style.

“It’s a helluva birthday present,” Moorby said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m incredibly proud and hugely grateful to all the people who have been part of my journey. Coming home, there was that desire in my gut to make use of this chance. I’m lucky the Hurricanes allowed me to play a great brand of rugby.”

Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.