Will Jordan Becomes All Blacks' All-Time Leading Try Scorer with Hat-Trick Against Italy

Will Jordan has become the All Blacks' all-time leading try scorer, surpassing Doug Howlett's record of 47 tries with a hat-trick performance against Italy in Wellington. The 28-year-old achieved tries number 48, 49 and 50 in his 56th Test match, adding another chapter to New Zealand rugby's record books as the All Blacks cruised to a 47-17 victory.

A Record Long in the Making

Jordan's milestone represented a significant breakthrough in All Blacks history. The previous record had stood for years, with several notable players threatening to break it without success. Joe Rokocoko and Julian Savea each scored 46 tries during their international careers, while Beauden Barrett currently sits at 45. The record had become the subject of considerable anticipation, with Jordan widely expected to claim it given his scoring rate and versatility across the backline.

The outside back, who typically plays on the wing or at fullback wearing jersey number 15, completed his hat-trick by blazing into the right corner. He celebrated the record-breaking moment with a shark-fin gesture, a nod to his roots with the Tasman Mako. At just 56 Tests into his international career, Jordan's trajectory suggests he could climb significantly further up the all-time try-scoring lists.

Beyond New Zealand Records

While Jordan's achievement stands unchallenged in All Blacks history, it remains dwarfed by the global record. Japan's Daisuke Ohata holds the international try-scoring crown with 69 tries, though some dispute the Test status of certain matches in which he scored. South Africa's Bryan Habana, who earned 124 caps for the Springboks, registered 67 tries and stands as the most recognized second-place finisher.

New Zealand's dominant display against Italy was comprehensive, with five different players crossing the try line. Sam Darry, Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot and Tupou Vaai all scored for the hosts. Italy's challenge was undermined when flanker Niccolo Cannone received a red card for a second-half headbutt, reducing the visitors to 14 men. The result marked the All Blacks' second consecutive victory under new coach Dave Rennie in the Rugby Nations Championship.

Jordan's next test comes against Ireland at Eden Park in the closing fixture of July's Nations Championship campaign, a fixture that promises to offer far stiffer opposition than Saturday's encounter.