Will Jordan, the All Blacks' sensational back-three star, has started his international campaign with a flourish, scoring five tries in just two matches. Former All Black Justin Marshall attributes Jordan's explosive start to a newfound "fear of missing out" spurred by recent injury setbacks. With 50 tries in 56 appearances, Jordan has now surpassed Doug Howlett to become the All Blacks' top try-scorer of all time, achieving this feat swiftly and spectacularly early in the season.
The 28-year-old Jordan faced a significant challenge heading into the Test season, grappling with a calf injury incurred during his tenure with the Crusaders. This injury restricted his participation to a mere six starts in the Super Rugby Pacific. Nevertheless, he managed a robust recovery, marking his return in the opening match against France in Christchurch where he added two tries to his tally, inching him closer to breaking Howlett's record. The following week, in Wellington, he secured the record that had eluded many greats for 19 years, a testament to his resilience and determination.
Marshall, speaking on the GBRANZ podcast, highlighted the mental and physical hunger Jordan exhibited upon his return.
"He’s just really hungry. He’s looking like he wants to find work, he wants to find opportunities on the field. Obviously, he’s adapted to playing on the wing really well,"
said Marshall. He noted that despite a challenging Super Rugby season marred by injuries, Jordan's eagerness to return to play was palpable."When you get the opportunity to put the boots on again, you’re hungry. You can just see that his energy levels are really high."
Unlike many international sports stars who often celebrate with grand gestures, Jordan tends to keep a low profile. His celebration style changed slightly against Italy, where he engaged more directly with the fans, a rare sight for someone who typically prefers subtler celebrations. This engagement underscored his deep connection with the game and his current form. "Seeing him gesture to the crowd at the weekend, that’s a little unlike him, usually he will just do the shark fin thing, but he was really pumping up the crowd and that’s just showing how invested he is at the moment," Marshall added.
This phase of Jordan's career not only marks personal milestones but also strengthens the All Blacks as a formidable team in international rugby. His journey underscores the resilience and sheer talent necessary to reach such heights in professional sports. As Jordan continues to leave his mark on the field, his story becomes one of overcoming adversity and seizing every opportunity with unmatched zeal and dedication.
As the All Blacks continue their season, the eyes of the rugby world remain fixed on Jordan, eager to see how many more records he can break and how his presence will shape the future of New Zealand rugby. His journey from injury to record-breaking triumph serves as an inspiring chapter in the annals of rugby history.
