He’s long been tipped as a star of the future, but Will Jordan’s five tries in New Zealand’s 102-0 rout of Tonga have made sure the Crusaders winger is here for the long haul.
Admittedly, judging the impact of Jordan’s performance against a weakened Tongan side in dire straits is difficult given the circumstances, the winger’s arrival on the international scene must also not go unnoticed.
Not since 1997 had an All Black player scored five tries in a match. That was Jeff Wilson against Fiji which New Zealand won 71-5, which leaves Jordan in very good company.
Indeed, Jordan’s rise through the ranks of Super Rugby with the Crusaders has been sensational, and his try record in a team that is used to scoring frequently turned heads both at home and abroad.
Other areas of Jordan’s game may come under the microscope but it is undeniable that Jordan is a finisher of the highest order. The pace is similar to that of Wilson’s and the evasiveness against defenders is second to none.
With the talent and availability of top-class wingers in New Zealand, Jordan performing to the best of his abilities is paramount if he is to make the 14 jersey his own going forward. And while New Zealand are up against Fiji next, only a real Test match experience will give the up-and-coming star a truly representative opportunity to stake a claim for the All Blacks starting berth.
Despite this, Jordan’s strike rate is already just one shy of a certain Julien Savea, who bagged six tries in his first three appearances. And we all know the All Blacks love a finisher, don’t we?
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