Will Jordan is a formidable three-point machine in France and in the run-up to Saturday’s final he has already scored eight tries in the World Cup tournament. It is an achievement that puts him level with Bryan Habana (2007), Jonah Lomu (1999) and Julian Savea (2015) for most tries in the international rugby spectacle.
The 25-year-old New Zealand full-back advanced almost 500 m in his 48 runs on the French rugby battlefields, while he also sent a number of defenders gasping for air.
No wonder the Kiwis rave about him.
“There is a reason why we call him the Ferrari. He is a special player with special abilities and I really hope that he ends the tournament with more than eight tries to his name,” said teammate Caleb Clarke.
Among other things, Jordan scored a hat-trick of tries in the semi-final against Argentina at the Stade de France; a performance which pushed his career statistics to 31 tries in his 30 Tests.
Jerome Kaino, the former All Blacks loose forward, also gave Jordan a thumbs up.
“We all know that it’s actually the forwards who have to do the donkey work, while he only takes care of the finishing touches,” joked Kaino.
“But honestly; he is an incredible player and his testimonial speaks volumes of his abilities on the rugby field.”
On Saturday, however, he will face a Springbok team known for its good defence.
The Boks have already made 765 successful tackles in the tournament, while the players teach their opponents a lesson with rock-hard tackles at an average of 14.3 times per game.
In addition, Franco Mostert did not miss one of his 19 tackles in the semi-final against England.
Jordan may be a jet, but even the most dangerous fighter will struggle to take off when the fuel supply is cut off.
#PUMAFam @FrancoMostert 14/14 tackles???? Machine. pic.twitter.com/HnbZ9TJdT5
— PUMA South Africa (@PUMASouthAfrica) October 15, 2023
According to Springbok lock Marvin Orie, the South Africans have done their homework on the All Blacks.
“The analysis includes our duels in Auckland and London and hopefully this will give our intensity levels the necessary boost. In addition, we also do our own preparation to get each other ready for anything that can happen on the field,” said Orie.
- Leading three-pointers in France:
- Will Jordan (New Zealand): 8
- Damian Penaud (France): 6
- Bundee Aki (Ireland), Henry Arundell (England), Leicester Fainga’anuku (New Zealand), Damian McKenzie (New Zealand), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales) and Darcy Graham (Scotland): 5
- Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France), Aaron Smith (New Zealand) and Cobus Reinach (South Africa): 4
