Will Jordan breaks All Blacks try record as New Zealand's electric backline powers past Italy

Will Jordan etched his name into New Zealand rugby history after becoming the All Blacks' all-time leading Test try-scorer in a commanding 47-17 Nations Championship victory over Italy in Wellington on Saturday, July 11. 

The prolific outside back crossed for a hat-trick to reach 50 Test tries in just 56 appearances, surpassing Doug Howlett's long-standing record while helping Dave Rennie's side maintain their unbeaten start to the tournament.

Jordan's latest masterclass was the headline act, but it also highlighted the frightening attacking potential developing within the All Blacks' backline. 

From Cam Roigard's composure at scrum-half to Damian McKenzie's growing influence at full-back, New Zealand repeatedly exposed Italy in open space whenever their attacking shape clicked into gear.

There was still plenty for Rennie to analyse, particularly around the physicality and consistency of his forward pack, but the All Blacks once again showed they possess game-breakers capable of punishing even the smallest defensive lapses.

Will Jordan reaches All Blacks immortality

Jordan's rise has been remarkable, and at just 28 years old he is already rewriting New Zealand rugby history.

His hat-trick took him beyond Howlett's tally of 49 Test tries, with the Crusaders star reaching the milestone in six fewer appearances than the previous record holder.

It was another reminder that Jordan continues to combine elite finishing instincts with exceptional positioning and timing.

"It's special. I think back to when I was a kid, practising my chip and chase in the back yard," Jordan said afterwards.

"To think I'd be here today, it's hugely humbling. I've been part of some great teams over the last seven years and, in turn, I hope I've inspired some kids to practise their chip and chase, and dream big."

His humility matched the significance of the achievement, but Jordan knows bigger challenges lie ahead.

"We saw tonight, when we got it right for about 20 minutes, it was pretty deadly," he added.

"The challenge is, how do we do that for 80 minutes."

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All Blacks' backline beginning to click

While Jordan deserved the headlines, New Zealand's biggest positive may have been how naturally their attacking combinations are developing.

Roigard continues to play with remarkable maturity, dictating the tempo while making consistently intelligent decisions around the ruck.

His support lines, passing accuracy and ability to identify mismatches are beginning to establish him as one of the world's premier scrum-halves.

Outside him, Jordie Barrett remains the glue holding the midfield together. 

His distribution, defensive organisation and decision-making continue to give New Zealand balance, allowing runners outside him to flourish.

McKenzie is also making a compelling case to remain first-choice at full-back. His counter-attacking threat, kicking game and vision repeatedly stretched Italy, giving Jordan and the outside backs more room to attack.

Then there was debutant Josh Moorby.

Thrown into the contest earlier than expected, the Hurricanes outside back immediately impressed with his athleticism, speed and composure. 

More importantly, his work post contact stood out, consistently making smart decisions to keep attacking movements alive rather than forcing low-percentage plays. 

His contributions directly influenced a try and several second-half scoring opportunities.

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Plenty of warning signs remain up front

For all the attacking brilliance, the performance also exposed an area the All Blacks will need to improve before facing South Africa later in the season.

Their forwards worked tirelessly and maintained high work-rates throughout, but there remains a noticeable difference between generating quick ball and dominating collisions.

Against Italy, New Zealand frequently appeared content to secure possession quickly before shifting the ball wide, rather than consistently winning the gainline through powerful carries. 

That approach proved highly effective against a tiring Italian defence, particularly after Niccolò Cannone's red card, but it is unlikely to deliver the same rewards against the Springboks' physical pack in the Greatest Rivalry Tour in August.

The line-out functioned well enough, while Ardie Savea once again led from the front, but there were periods where the All Blacks lacked the relentless physical edge traditionally associated with the jersey.

Bigger tests await

Rennie's first two Tests have delivered two victories and plenty of optimism.

The attack is becoming increasingly fluid, the backs are playing with confidence and Jordan continues to cement his place among New Zealand's all-time great finishers.

However, if the All Blacks are to challenge the world's most physical sides later this year, particularly South Africa, they will need their forward pack to offer more than simply creating platforms for their dangerous outside backs.

Against Italy, attacking brilliance was enough.

Against the Springboks, dominance through contact will almost certainly be a necessity.

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