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Where Will Jordan ranks the Ireland performance and his try scoring streak
By Ben Smith at Aviva Stadium, Dublin
The All Blacks 23-13 win over world number one Ireland could be a defining chapter for the Scott Robertson era and for starting fullback Will Jordan.
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In a game with the tightest of margins where every mistake is amplified, Jordan was safe as houses under the high ball in misty conditions as the Dublin rain came down in sheets to add some grease to the ball and playing surface.
He ran back kicks with vigour finishing with a team high 16 carries, probed for opportunities around first five Damian McKenzie, and in the end finished the game’s key try on the end of the backline.
It wasn’t the flashiest performance in terms of game-breaking line breaks and stunning tries, but it might be the most important for Jordan in his quest to lock down the No 15 jersey.
“Wet conditions like that naturally tighten the game up, comes with a physical grind, kicking game, high balls, scrambling becomes important. So it did feel like an arm wrestle out there tonight,” he said.
“I think that’s probably the one I’m most pleased about. I look back at the five or six I’ve had now, like, you rock up to the ground and you see it’s wet, you know that it’s going to be not a perfect night at the back.
“It was great to get up on some high balls tonight. Didn’t get everything, but competed as hard as I could individually and as a team. So a pleasing performance in tough conditions.”
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On a night prepared for Ireland rugby’s 150th celebrations and revenge for last year’s quarter-final, the two modern rivals were locked in a penalty-for-penalty stoush in the first half.
A try to Josh van der Flier with Jordie Barrett in the bin threatened to lift Ireland as they took the lead 13-12, but the boot of McKenzie continued to knock over goals to provide an 18-13 lead.
After a half-break from Barrett from a spilt high ball, the All Blacks got into their best shape of the night, finding Ireland short out wide multiple times.
McKenzie put Savea away down the right side and Mark Tele’a ended up just shy of the line. Stretching back the other way, slick hands from the forwards put Jordan over untouched.
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“I think the one tonight to be fair was one of the easy ones, I’ve scored on the end of the chain, some great hands by Wallace and Asafo in the back line on a greasy night.
“It wasn’t the toughest one I’ve scored but obviously in the context of the game was important. That one was nice sliding over.”
After a turbulent Rugby Championship which included back-to-back defeats to South Africa, both from a winnable position, the All Blacks knocking off Ireland at home represents their biggest scalp of the year.
They stand just shy of reclaiming the number one ranking ahead of their clash with France next week.
Watch the exclusive reveal-all episode of Walk the Talk with Ardie Savea as he chats to Jim Hamilton about the RWC 2023 experience, life in Japan, playing for the All Blacks and what the future holds. Watch now for free on RugbyPass TV
Have always felt that Jordan's best position is at full back. Team had a much more settled look and his strike power is phenomenal. A well done to him and the rest of the team
Just gonna put it out there, Will Jordan will be the 1st ALL Black to score 50 test tries and 50 super rugby tries
Razor's plan has always been Jordan at 15 & to build the backfield unit around him. Jordan, Telea, Clarke, (Ioane?) seem to be the future. Other contenders will need to break in/bide their time.
As some one else said , Will Jordan is finally playing in his rightful position of fullback. It is where he has played his best rugby for winning Crusaders teams and Robertson was his coach. He was outstanding under the high ball on Saturday and the thing is it is lethal counter attacking ability from the 15 position which sets him apart.It was that ability which Christian Cullen had. You cannot coach that. Well done Will, the sky is the limit.
Still needs to work on his defending though. Takes too long to make a decision on whom to tackle, or when to tackle them.
Will Jordan is finally back playing where he belongs and is now looking more comfortable and very settled in the role.
Scott Robertson has sorted out WJ's move to fullback and that's the position he'll be playing at from now onwards.
Whoever Scott and his staff select for higher honours to play France in Paris next week, those 23 men will have the opportunity to return the favour for the All Blacks loss to them when they last met, RWC 2023.
Allez les All Blacks...en avant et en haut...
Outstanding taking the high balls - importantly held onto that last pass to go over in the corner - this team are moving into the upper half of their transition - loaded with half back talent good call to keep the same Front Row - Bench is looking awesome - should be ready to contest number spot against SA in R C - one more peak to climb against France before we can say its been a good year