Will Jordan needs three tries in Wellington on Saturday to stand alone at the top of the All Blacks' all-time try-scoring list — and at least one former team-mate thinks he could get there in a single afternoon.
The wing was named on the right edge in Dave Rennie's side to face Italy at Sky Stadium, having crossed twice in last weekend's 34-32 win over France in Christchurch. Those two tries lifted Jordan to 47 in the black jersey, second only to Doug Howlett, who scored 49 in 62 Tests between 2000 and 2007.
Two tries against the Azzurri would draw Jordan level with Howlett. A hat-trick would make him the most prolific try-scorer in the history of the world's most successful rugby nation — and, at 55 caps heading into his 56th Test, he would reach the mark far quicker than the man he is chasing.
On the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, former All Blacks hooker Bryn Hall said Jordan's numbers are no accident. "It all comes down to effort and work off the ball," Hall said. "Those first three steps on both sides of the ball are very important to how Will is able to get into those positions. But he's also just got a knack, an IQ for reading the play really well. Long may it continue for the All Blacks."
Co-host James Parsons was less measured. "Will's back to try-scoring; he'll be on 50 soon," he said. "He'll get three against Italy."
Rennie made five starting changes from the France Test, recalling Tyrel Lomax — who brings up his own milestone of 50 caps — along with Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi, Leroy Carter and Billy Proctor. Uncapped Blues loose forward Anton Segner and Hurricanes utility back Josh Moorby are in line for debuts off the bench, while Beauden Barrett again misses the matchday 23 entirely.
"There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity," Rennie said.
He was quick to warn against reading the fixture as a formality. "This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team," Rennie said. "They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team, so we have prepared for a tough challenge."
Italy arrive in Wellington off a solid Six Nations and have named a settled side of their own, making three changes and loading a 6-2 bench.
For Jordan, though, the sub-plot is impossible to ignore. Howlett's record has stood for close to two decades. Kick-off is 5:10pm on Saturday.
