The Jordan of the trials threatens a record in the Rugby World Cup
He doesn't jump as much as Michael Jordan, but he runs faster. He hasn't inspired a sought-after sneaker collection, but his rivals sometimes only get a glimpse of his boots.. He has not won six rings, but next Saturday he can be proclaimed champion of the oval planet for the first time. Will Jordan is the man who practices the most in the team that practices the most in the Rugby World Cup.
Eight brands have achieved this wing (25 years, 1.88, 94 kilos) of the 48 that the All Blacks have achieved. Like the team, it has picked up speed as the tournament has progressed. He added two against Italy and Uruguay in the first phase, another decisive one to eliminate Ireland in the quarterfinals and last Friday he scored three against Argentina. “He showed how good he is at finishing,” coach Ian Foster said after the game.
Will Jordan never fails when he is the last link in the attack chain. If those in black open three-quarters, it is very likely that the melon will end up in their hands. It might seem like you just have to take it and throw it on the grass.. In reality, the difficult has been done before. The New Zealand 14 shines in choosing the moment to start and, above all, the best running line to support the carrier, receive his pass and pose.
Renewal until 2027
“Will's skills and anticipation set him apart, his synchronicity with and without the ball is world class,” said Scott Robertson, the next All Blacks coach.. You know him well. He signed him in 2018 for his Crusaders and with him in his ranks, trial after trial, he has dominated SuperRugby, the prestigious franchise competition in the southern hemisphere, for the last five years.. Barring surprises or injuries, they will remain united: Jordan has renewed with the federation to play in New Zealand until 2027.
How far can it go? It is difficult to predict because All Black 1191 has 31 marks in 30 international matches. His next challenge is the World Cup final against South Africa. It will not only be a confrontation between two super teams. The match is presented as a duel of styles. Faced with the fast transitions and stampedes of New Zealand – and Jordan – the Springboks' preference is to dominate the static phases, wear down the opponent in combat and break into a run in very few very chosen times.
This is what the latest clashes between both three-time world champions dictate. On July 15, New Zealand, with a very dangerous Jordan, beat South Africa clearly (35-20). The All Blacks managed to run from the start and in just over a quarter of an hour they scored three tries. Later, the Springboks, as in Saturday's semifinal against England, rebuilt themselves from the scrum and began a comeback that they did not complete that day.
Will Jordan poses for a test against Argentina AFP
They met again, with a different script, on August 25 in the last preparation meeting for this World Cup.. The South African physical dominance left New Zealand without the ball, with the largest defeat in its history (35-7) and some worrying feelings. “We didn't think too much about that match,” Jordan said on Friday when asked about the already confirmed possibility of a new confrontation with their great rivals in the France 2023 final.
Will Jordan will also face a personal challenge on Saturday. If he scores a try in the final he will become the first player to reach nine in the same championship. With the current eight, he shares the podium precisely with two other New Zealanders, Jonah Lomu (1999) and Julian Savea (2015), and the South African Bryan Habana (2007).. But he assures that he has not proposed it. “We came to look for victory in the World Cup, I will be happy not to score if that means we have delivered.”