Will Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in decisive Italy win

Will Jordan surpassed Doug Howlett's record to become the All Blacks' all-time leading try-scorer, scoring a hat-trick in New Zealand's 47-17 Nations Championship victory over Italy in Wellington. This dominant second-half performance secured New Zealand's second consecutive win in the newly formed Nations Championship.

Jordan's Record-Breaking Performance

Jordan's three tries at Wellington Regional Stadium brought his Test total to 50 in 56 matches, eclipsing Doug Howlett’s previous mark, as reported by BBC Rugby Union. The 28-year-old fullback reflected on this achievement, stating that it was "hugely humbling" and expressed hope in inspiring young players, having started his own journey practicing chip-and-chases in his backyard scoring 50 tries.

His first try, a result of a Jordie Barrett chip kick and skillful recovery by Leroy Carter, gave New Zealand their initial lead in the 30th minute. Two more tries in the second half, including one where Niccolo Cannone's red card offense occurred, cemented his hat-trick and the record.

All Blacks Overcome Early Italian Challenge

Despite the eventual comprehensive scoreline, New Zealand faced a tenacious Italian side, particularly in the first half. The Guardian Rugby Union noted that the All Blacks overcame a slow start, with errors widening the gap between their ambition and execution slow start overcome. Italy's Tommaso Menoncello opened the scoring after an All Blacks turnover just three minutes into the match, as recounted by BBC Rugby Union Menoncello's early try.

New Zealand, under new coach Dave Rennie, found themselves trailing early, struggling in the breakdown, collision areas, and set pieces. Italian captain Michele Lamaro acknowledged his team's strong start, stating they were effectively putting the All Blacks under pressure around the breakdown area Italy's pressure.

The home side, despite responding rapidly with a try from Sam Darry, limped into halftime with a narrow 14-10 lead. Errors in handling, defense, aerial contests, and discipline undermined their high-tempo intentions, issues that were also apparent in their earlier Nations Championship win against France, according to The Guardian Rugby Union errors undermined play.

Second-Half Dominance and Debut Impact

The All Blacks, however, dramatically shifted gears in the second half, scoring five tries and 33 points. Sam Darry, Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot, Tupou Vaa'i, and Jordan himself contributed to New Zealand's seven-try haul in total, BBC Rugby Union reported seven tries scored.

Josh Moorby, making his Test debut off the bench on his birthday in the 31st minute, made a significant impact, playing a major role in three second-half tries, highlighted by The Guardian Rugby Union Moorby's live-wire debut. Italy's challenge was further hampered by the dismissal of Niccolo Cannone in the 51st minute, initially a yellow card for headbutting Roigard, then upgraded to a red after TMO review, according to BBC Rugby Union Cannone's red card.

Dave Rennie's Early Coaching Success

New Zealand's new coach Dave Rennie has now secured back-to-back wins in his initial matches, The Guardian Rugby Union reported Rennie's back-to-back wins. Last week, the All Blacks beat France 34-32 in their opening fixture of the inaugural 12-team Nations Championship, as narrated by BBC Rugby Union All Blacks beat France.

The upcoming fixture against Ireland in Auckland will test Rennie's side further. These early results offer a strong start for New Zealand in this new international rugby competition, though the coach will be keen to address the first-half inconsistencies witnessed against Italy. Meanwhile, other teams in the competition, like Wales, are also looking to recover from previous defeats, with RugbyPass noting that Steve Tandy insists Wales has moved on from a record autumn defeat to Argentina in preparation for their next Nations Championship fixture in San Juan Wales' next fixture. These developments across the tournament contribute to an exciting early phase of international rugby news.