Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in win over Italy

Figure caption,

Jordan scores hat-trick to become All Blacks' record try-scorer

ByMandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Will Jordan became New Zealand's record try-scorer with a hat-trick in his side's 47-17 thrashing of Italy in the Nations Championship.

Jordan's three tries at the Wellington Regional Stadium took the 28-year-old's tally to 50 in 56 Tests, one ahead of Doug Howlett.

"It's special. I think back to when I was a kid, practising my chip-and-chase in the back yard," said back-three player Jordan.

"To think I'd be here today, it's hugely humbling. I've been part of some great teams over the last seven years and, in turn, I hope I've inspired some kids to practise their chip-and-chase, and dream big."

New Zealand scored seven tries in all against Italy, with Sam Darry, Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot and Tupou Vaa'i also crossing the line.

Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin touched down for Italy, who were not helped by the dismissal of Niccolo Cannone in the 51st minute.

Cannone was initially shown a yellow card for headbutting Roigard before the television match official upgraded it to a red card.

New Zealand Will Jordan in action during his side's win against Italy Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Jordan made his New Zealand debut in 2020

Menoncello's try had put Italy in front early on but Darry and Jordan went over for the All Blacks to help them into a 14-10 half-time lead.

Roigard, De Groot and Jordan tries extended New Zealand's lead to 33-10, with Cannone's offence coming in the build-up to the latter's score.

Jordan added his record third try and, after Marin went over for Italy, Vaa'i added a seventh try for the All Blacks late on.

New Zealand, under new coach Dave Rennie, beat France 34-32 last week in their opening game of the inaugural 12-team Nations Championship, while Italy went down to a 27-10 defeat by Japan.

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