Will Jordan: On the verge of greatness
SPOTLIGHT: Being crowned World Cup 2023 Championship surpasses all personal accolades says Will Jordan after joining the illustrious list of world-class wings.
The All Black wing became just the third player in history to score a hat-trick in a World Cup semifinal when he scored three tries during New Zealand’s 44-6 win over Argentina on Friday.
The 25-year-old’s hat-trick took him to a tournament-leading eight tries – equaling the record of Jonah Lomu in 1999, Bryan Habana in 2007 and Julian Savea in 2015.
Legend Lomu became the first player to score eight tries at a single World Cup in 1999, but the All Blacks finished fourth.
Habana levelled Lomu with eight tries at the 2007 edition, won by the Springboks before Savea joined them in 2015 as the All Blacks won the World Cup for a third time.
Jordan said it’s ‘pretty cool’ to join the incredible list of athletes.
“When you think about those guys, they were all huge legends of the game and, particularly in the position I play, really trail-blazed the way to play the game as a wing,” Jordan said when asked about the record.
“So that’s pretty cool.
“It definitely wasn’t anything I set out to do or anything like that, but it’s nice to be able to do that in a team that is doing so well.”
Getting the job done
The Crusades star has a chance to break the record for the most tries scored in a single tournament should he cross the line in the final.
The All Blacks will take on the Springboks on Saturday in the Grand Final.
“The World Cup win is what we all came over here to do,” Jordan said.
“I will be perfectly happy to take a zero on the scoresheet if it means we get the job done.
“It’s a team game and the group is really focused at the moment around what we want to do. Hopefully, I can play my part in that.”
New Zealand defence coach Scott McLeod said Jordan’s ability to read the game has made him an incredible finisher.
“[Jordan] can see the picture early,” McLeod said.
“He understands where the space is and where it’s going to be and positions himself really well, so when he does get the ball he understands what he has to do.
“Players around him are now starting to read off him as well. They get excited when he gets the ball and he can create something out of nothing so they get ready for that.
“But if you take the ball to a different part of the field and take all the defenders over there, then try and quickly get it to him because he can pretty much make something out of nothing. That’s exciting for us and for him.”
A hat-trick in a Rugby World Cup semifinal 🫡
Will Jordan brings up his 8th try at the tournament, equalling the men’s record at Rugby World Cups 👏#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/YdIudYkcvz
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 21, 2023
