Stuart Hodge
Will Jordan scores hat-trick to become New Zealand’s all-time leading try scorer; Jordan’s 50th try in 56 Tests tales him past Doug Howlett’s previous mark; All Blacks have two wins from two at start of Nations Championship
Last Updated: 11/07/26 9:34am
New Zealand’s Will Jordan runs in to score against Italy (Kerry Marshall/Photosport via AP)
Will Jordan scored a hat-trick and became New Zealand’s all-time leading try-scorer in their 47-17 victory over Italy in the Nations Championship in Wellington.
The 28-year-old moved past Doug Howlett with his 50th try in just his 56th Test as New Zealand picked up their second straight win in the competition under new boss Dave Rennie.
Italy started quickly and opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello but New Zealand hit back through Sam Darry and then started to pull away courtesy of efforts from Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot and Tupou Vaa’i alongside Jordan’s hat-trick.
The visitors had their backs against the wall after Niccolo Cannone was sent off for a headbutt and suffered their second successive defeat following their loss to Japan last week.
“It’s special I guess,” said Jordan, speaking after the game to Stan Sport. “I think back to when I was a kid, practising my chip and chase in the back yard, to think I’d be here today, it’s hugely humbling.
“I guess as a winger you’re on the end of the chain sometimes. I’ve been a part of some great teams over the last seven years and I guess, in turn, I hope I’ve inspired a few kids to practice chip and chase in the back yard to dream big.”