Will Jordan scores 50th try to break All Blacks record against Italy
Will Jordan has become the All Blacks’ all-time leading try scorer after registering a hat-trick in New Zealand’s victory over Italy in Wellington.
The 28-year-old touched down in the right corner to complete his treble and reach exactly 50 Test tries in just his 56th international appearance.
That milestone strike took the versatile back past the long-standing national tally previously held by former full-back Doug Howlett.
Surpassing a generation of wingers
The New Zealand try record had proved famously resilient over the past two decades despite the emergence of several prolific finishers.
Both Joe Rokocoko and Julian Savea threatened to claim the outright lead during their respective careers, but the formidable duo ultimately stalled on 46 international scores.
Current squad member Beauden Barrett also sits just behind the leading pack with a tally of 45 tries.
Chasing the global milestone
Following his record-breaking touch down, the outside back delivered a shark-fin celebration in tribute to his domestic provincial side, the Tasman Mako.
Having achieved his half-century at a blistering pace, the Crusaders star is now perfectly positioned to challenge the global scoring charts.
Japan’s Daisuke Ohata currently holds the official world record with 69 tries, though a number of those efforts occurred in fixtures with disputed Test status.
South African legend Bryan Habana remains the benchmark for Tier One nations after registering 67 times in 124 caps for the Springboks.