Watch: Will Jordan ‘brilliance’ sets up opening try against Boks

The All Blacks looked like a team possessed during the opening 10 minutes of their Rugby Championship clash on Saturday, but one player stole the show.

Before the opening whistle, the New Zealanders issued their challenge with a spinetingling rendition of Kapa o Pango. The haka was passionate, intense and captivating, and set the tone for the Test.

Led by captain Same Cane, the All Blacks appeared ready – and that proved true early on.

From minute one, the hosts were playing a thrilling style of play. The All Blacks haven’t looked that good in quite some time.

But out of the players in black, one superstar was especially bright.

Electric winger Will Jordan, who was playing his first Test match of the year after missing out on the trip to Argentina, had a few game-breaking carries early on.

Every time he touched the ball, it looked like something was about to happen.

Eventually, that proved true.

Just over four minutes into the match, and on the ninth phase of the All Blacks’ attacking onslaught, Jordan caught the ball over on the right edge.

After receiving an ambitious cut-out pass from fullback Beauden Barrett, Jordan attempted to beat Springboks defender Willie le Roux with sheer pace.

But after being taken to the ground with a desperate tackle, Jordan had just enough time to release the ball and have another go. That was a stroke of genius.

Jordan got right back up and beat two South African defenders, including inside centre Damian de Allende, before running deep into the visitors’ 22.

The fullback then set up veteran Aaron Smith for the All Blacks’ opener with a simple draw and pass.

Will Jordan & Aaron Smith, you beautiful men 😍#NZLvRSA pic.twitter.com/A5ozZ3UEQy

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 15, 2023

In the background of a replay, you could see Jordan and Beauden Barrett celebrating the effort. As Sky Sport NZ commentator Grant Nisbell said, it was a moment of “brilliance” from the Crusaders’ outside back.

The score in the 5^th minute sent the Auckland crowd into a frenzy, and there was more to come.

By the 20-minute mark, the All Blacks had raced out to a 17-nil lead.

Following a successful penalty goal attempt from flyhalf Richie Mo’unga, rampaging flanker Shannon Frizell ran over le Roux for the New Zealanders’ second try of the night.

Again, the All Blacks haven’t looked that good in quite some time.