WELLINGTON (AFP) – Having been handed a licence to roam off his wing by the All Blacks’ management, Will Jordan can add an “X-factor” to New Zealand’s attack at the Rugby World Cup.
Jordan, 25, burst on the international scene in 2021 by scorching over for five of New Zealand’s 16 tries in a 102-0 demolition of Tonga. His pace and eye for a gap saw him named World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2021.
Jordan now has a total of 23 tries in 25 games for the All Blacks, a rate which could see him eclipse John Kirwan’s record of 67 tries in 96 appearances for New Zealand.
Kirwan, 58, was part of the All Blacks team which won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
He says Jordan’s ability to split defences makes him a key asset in New Zealand’s bid to win a record-extending fourth World Cup title.
“I think he’s an important part of this team because he does bring that X-factor,” Kirwan told AFP.
Jordan mainly plays for his Super Rugby team Canterbury Crusaders at full-back.
However, the versatile back has made nearly all of his international appearances for New Zealand on the wing. Jordan was one of the few All Blacks to impress in the record 35-7 defeat by South Africa in a World Cup warm-up.
Kirwan says Jordan has “mastered” switching between the two positions, which has boosted his game.
“He’s an outstanding full-back, but the thing he does when he comes to the wing is that he also changes sides so he’s turning up in unpredictable places,” Kirwan added.
