The All Blacks Back 3 remains a constantly evolving picture, but there is one focus that continues to prove its charming and irreplaceable power. No matter where he is in the All Blacks, Will Jordan is a relentless attack weapon.
Last week, with two tries at Dunedin, Jordan resumed his account by surpassing Ben Smith in the All Blacks Trick Scoring Stakes, raising Tully to 40 in 40 Tests, a truly incredible strike rating of 42 to establish himself even further among the elite finishers of the world.
The first minute of the All Blacks’ volatile opening 31-27 victory while he held a knee complaint, that he seamlessly switched from fullback to wings, is evidence of Jordan’s value.
“It was pretty special, right? Both sides of the ball are physically tough,” All Blacks manager Scott Robertson said in praise of Jordan this week.
“He’s an amazing finisher, he expects it, and you feel like he’s sometimes three steps ahead, only his feet are moving where the ball is in advance. It’s a sign of shape and he’s really getting older.”
At this point in the World Cup cycle, one of the biggest positional questions hanging on the All Blacks is who emerge to impose marks and own the role of starting wing.
The wings at any position are where the selective bolters tend to surge on the surface later in the work.
Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo and George Bridge have recently been one of those that fit into that category, with other candidates guaranteeing that the All Blacks will break through next year before solidifying the three pairings.
Strangely, Robertson chose only two expert wings with a team of 33 for three tests this month when the versatility of Jordan, Rieko Ioane and Ruben Love was accepted as a multipurpose finisher.
However, many other wings are waiting for the fringe, such as Highlanders Flyer Kalebutanguitto, Emoninarawa, Chief Cheyfihaki and Kininaholo’s Leroy Carter. Reese suffered a concussion last week in his first tackle in Dunedin, so Jordan once again proved his prowess in an exhibit elsewhere. However, for the suspicious TMO decision for obvious interference, he should have bagged the hat trick.
The All Blacks test campaign is only beginning, but Jordan is already reminding him of his importance and lessons this season.
Although he was not the only prominent absentee after being injured in 2024, the Crusades were lost without Jordan strikes and guidance. This year, his deep influence has rekindled the Crusades’ offense, and in the untrained eyes it was clear that he is coaching young playmakers Tahakemala and Rives Reihana.
Back in the Black Jersey last week, Jordan easily switched from fullback after playing most of this Test career under Ian Foster.
Robertson’s arrival last year was always trying to guide Jordan’s permanent shift to fullback, but in the Nees Myst scenario, All Black is very fortunate to be able to give birth to someone of his kind who can flip between two roles without skipping the beat.
Jordan doesn’t boast the same top-end speed as Ioane or Clarke, but his acceleration from the mark to drill holes is fatal.
While jumping into the right place at the right time may seem lucky once or twice, Jordan’s supportive play and consistent ability to finish reflect his expectations and Mount’s experience. His combination with Borden Barrett – has been polished for years behind their chip and chasing defensive line – is also widely underrated.
In their quest to build four depths in each position, Robertson’s All Blacks have few players with truly irreplaceable labels. Jordan sits with Ardie Savea and Tyrel Lomax in that respect.
Jordan might be asked to fill in the second half of the All Blacks’ match to Edge when injuries attack, such as this weekend’s second Test against the Frenchman at Wellington.
But there’s no doubt that his long-term future will be in the backfield. There, his effortless gliding running style and vision are on the way to emulate the modern era full-back of Christian Cullen and Smith, the Great All Blacks.
All black people outside the back often have their speed and finishing tails hitting the wall towards the back end of their careers.
Karen, Jeff Wilson, Joe Rocococo, Jonah Rom, Julian Saver, and Naholo didn’t appear for the All Blacks over the age of 27 – a phenomenal statistic that points to a common theme.
Jordan, however, allows injuries, but will not suffer the same fate. He appears to be destined to continue maturity and thriving, but is destined to win Wilson (44 in 60 Tests), Boden Barrett (45 in 135), Saver (46 in 54), rokocoko (68 in 46), Karen 46, 58, and ultimately, 49 in 62). A property not too far away.
“That’s what I was thinking. It’s about doing my part and I think it’s part of that when I try to score three players,” Jordan said. “I’m just trying to pop up and create opportunities for the team.” Ultimately, that’s pretty cool. ”
It’s stupid to bet Jordan will finish the season as Jerseydon’s most prolific finisher this year, with 10 more tests in an effort to win a record perfectly.