New Zealand’s winger, Will Jordan, has matched the record for the most tries scored by an individual player in a men’s Rugby World Cup tournament, having now scored eight tries in the 2023 edition. Jordan, reflecting on his achievement, expressed his deep respect for rugby legends like Jonah Lomu (1999), Julian Savea (2015), and Bryan Habana (2007), who also held this record in previous tournaments. He found it humbling to be mentioned alongside these icons, especially given their positions as wings and the groundbreaking influence they had on the game’s style.
Surprisingly, Jordan didn’t set out with the specific goal of breaking this record, but he was pleased to accomplish it, especially with the team performing well and reaching the Cup final. The playoff phase of the tournament was particularly enjoyable for him, as the team had built confidence and form.
Speaking about his influences, Jordan mentioned that growing up, Dan Carter was his favorite player. However, from a back-three perspective, he also drew inspiration from players like Joe Rokocoko, Ben Smith, Julian Savea, and Israel Dagg, all of whom contributed to shaping his approach to the game. He felt privileged to follow in their footsteps and achieve his own milestones.
Jordan emphasized that he doesn’t focus on personal try-scoring numbers. Instead, his approach centers on support play, positioning, and reading the game. For him, it’s not solely about scoring tries but about being involved in the game and providing an additional attacking option.
As for breaking the record with a ninth try, Jordan was not fixated on it. He expressed his willingness to forego scoring if it meant securing victory for the team.
All Blacks Assistant Coach Scott McLeod praised Jordan’s try-scoring ability, attributing it to his early recognition of game situations. Jordan’s capacity to anticipate space and position himself effectively made him a valuable asset, and his teammates began to read off his plays, getting ready to capitalize on his ability to create opportunities.
In terms of his overall Test try-scoring, Will Jordan is the All Blacks’ thirteenth-highest scorer with 31 tries in 30 Tests, though the ultimate record is held by Doug Howlett, who scored 49 tries in 62 Tests.
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