Jordan on 100-try watch ahead of Ireland showdown
The prolific All Blacks finisher is just one score away from another remarkable milestone as New Zealand prepares for a blockbuster Test.
DUBLIN — As the All Blacks prepare to face Ireland in what promises to be a blockbuster Nations Championship clash, all eyes are on Will Jordan. The prolific outside back is on the cusp of another personal milestone: reaching 100 combined tries across his Test and club career. With 50 international tries already in the bag after his record-breaking hat trick against Italy last weekend, Jordan needs just a handful more from his Crusaders and Tasman days to hit the magical century mark.
At 28, Jordan has established himself as one of the most dangerous finishers in world rugby. His journey from the Canterbury plains to the pinnacle of the game has been marked by relentless consistency and jaw-dropping moments. Since bursting onto the scene with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, he has dazzled with his speed, aerial prowess, and instinctive positioning. That form translated seamlessly to the Test arena, where he made his debut in 2020 and quickly became a cornerstone of the All Blacks attack. His 50 tries in 56 Tests not only shattered Doug Howlett’s long-standing record but did so with a strike rate that leaves longtime observers in awe.
The upcoming showdown against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium carries extra weight. Ireland, under Andy Farrell, remains one of the toughest teams in the Northern Hemisphere, boasting a formidable defense and clinical attacking options. For Jordan, it’s another opportunity to showcase why he is regarded as one of the best fullbacks or wings on the planet. A couple of tries here could not only push the All Blacks toward victory but also edge him tantalizingly close to that combined century.
Jordan’s club numbers tell their own story of excellence. Across appearances for Tasman in the NPC and the Crusaders in Super Rugby, he has accumulated a significant tally that, when added to his Test haul, puts 100 firmly within reach. It’s a testament to his durability and hunger for the try line, even as the physical demands of professional rugby have intensified. Teammates often speak of his work ethic in training—quietly putting in the extras that translate to those match-winning finishes under the Friday night lights or in front of roaring Test crowds.
Will Jordan of New Zealand runs with the ball during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between Ireland and New Zealand at Stade de France in Paris, France on October 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Photo: Lionel Hahn/Getty Images
Reflecting on the milestone ahead of the Ireland match, Jordan kept his trademark modesty. “Hitting 100 combined tries would be pretty cool, but it’s not something I dwell on day to day,” said Jordan. “Rugby’s always been about the team and contributing where I can. Whether it’s creating space for the boys or finishing off a good move, I just try to stay in the moment. Ireland is going to bring everything they’ve got, so my focus is on preparing well and doing my job for the All Blacks.”
That grounded approach has endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Off the field, Jordan leads a relatively low-key life, balancing the pressures of elite sport with family time and his love for the outdoors. Born in Christchurch, he rose through the ranks with a blend of natural talent and determined graft, overcoming early injury setbacks to forge one of the most impressive careers in modern New Zealand rugby. His ability to perform at both provincial and international levels highlights a rare versatility that few players achieve.
As the All Blacks travel to Dublin, the squad carries momentum from recent victories, including the emphatic win over Italy where Jordan’s three tries stole the show. That performance not only secured player of the match honors but also ignited talk of what else this remarkable athlete might achieve. Reaching 100 combined tries would place him in rare company, joining an elite group of finishers who have dominated across multiple levels of the game.
For New Zealand supporters, Jordan represents the enduring spirit of All Blacks rugby—clinical, humble, and relentlessly effective. Ireland will pose a stern test, with their pack likely looking to disrupt New Zealand’s rhythm and their backs ready to counter at every opportunity. Yet in Jordan, the visitors possess a genuine game-changer capable of turning tight contests with a single burst of brilliance.
Whatever unfolds at the Aviva, one thing is certain: Will Jordan will be at the heart of it. As he chases personal glory while prioritizing team success, the rugby world watches with anticipation. A century of tries beckons, but for now, the focus remains squarely on the battle ahead in Irish green. The stage is set for another chapter in an already extraordinary career.