Will Jordan Sets New Zealand Record With Hat‑trick

Jordan Breaks Doug Howlett’s Try Record

Will Jordan collected a hat‑trick at Wellington Regional Stadium, lifting his career total to 50 test tries in 56 appearances. The feat pushes Jordan one ahead of former All Black Doug Howlett, who had long held the national scoring mark. The 28‑year‑old described the achievement as “hugely humbling,” recalling backyard chip‑and‑chase drills from his youth.

Jordan’s first two scores came before the break, with Sam Darry also crossing for New Zealand. The second half saw a flurry of points, including Cam Roigard’s try and a second from Jordan to seal his treble. Ethan de Groot and Tupou Vaa’i added further tries, completing a seven‑try demolition of Italy.

Match Overview: Dominance and Discipline

The final whistle showcased a 47‑17 victory for the All Blacks, underlining New Zealand’s offensive firepower. Italy managed only two scores through Tommaso Menoncello and Leonardo Marin, a brief early lead that evaporated after a disciplinary incident. Niccolò Cannone’s headbutt on Roigard escalated from a yellow to a red card in the 51st minute, leaving Italy a man down for the remainder of the game.

New Zealand’s coach Dave Rennie praised the team’s resilience after a hard‑fought win over France in the Nations Championship opener. The result positions the All Blacks atop the 12‑team competition, while Italy falters after a previous loss to Japan. Jordan’s performance not only etched his name into New Zealand’s history but also reinforced the All Blacks’ reputation as relentless try scorers.

Impact on the Nations Championship

Jordan’s record‑tying performance sets a high benchmark for the tournament’s remaining fixtures. His 50th try in just 56 tests highlights a career of consistent production, a valuable asset for New Zealand’s World Cup preparations. Fans and analysts will watch closely as the competition unfolds, with the All Blacks looking to maintain their aggressive style under Rennie’s guidance.

The dominant win over Italy also showcased depth in the backline, with five different players crossing for tries. Such variety signals a broad talent base, a crucial factor for a side that will face several strong opponents later in the year. As the Nations Championship continues, Will Jordan’s hat‑trick will likely be recalled as a defining moment of the early campaign.