Madrid
Updated Monday, October 23, 2023 – 17:17
The No. 14 of the All Blacks has scored eight tries and has, on Saturday in the final, the opportunity to become the first player to surpass that number.
Will Jordan celebrates a try against Argentina.AP
Doesn’t jump as much as Michael Jordan, but it runs faster. He hasn’t inspired a sought-after sneaker collection, but his rivals sometimes only get a glimpse of his boots. He has not won six rings, but next Saturday he can proclaim himself champion of the oval planet for the first time. Will Jordan He is the man who practices the most in the team that practices the most in the Rugby World Cup.
Eight brands have achieved this wing (25 years, 1.88, 94 kilos) of the 48 that have been achieved by the All Blacks. Like the team, it has picked up speed as the tournament has progressed. Add two against Italy and Uruguay in the first phase, another decisive one to eliminate Ireland in the quarterfinals and Last Friday I scored three against Argentina. “He showed how good he is at finishing,” said the coach after the game. Ian Foster.
Will Jordan never fails when he is the last link in the chain of attack. If those in black open three-quarters, it is very likely that the melon will end up in their hands. It may seem like you just have to take it and throw it on the grass. In reality, he’s done it hard before. The New Zealand 14 shines in choosing the moment to start and, above all, the best running line to support the carrier, receive his pass and pose.
Renovation until 2027
“Will’s skills and anticipation set him apart, his synchronization with and without the ball is world class,” he said of him. Scott Robertson, the next All Blacks coach. He knows him well. He signed him in 2018 for his Crusaders and with him in his ranks, trial after trial, he has dominated the last five years Super Rugby, the prestigious franchise competition in the southern hemisphere. Barring surprises or injuries, they will remain united: Jordan has renewed with the federation to play in New Zealand until 2027.
How far can it go? It is difficult to predict because the All Black 1191 has 31 marks in 30 international matches. Their next challenge is the World Cup final against South Africa. It will not only be a confrontation between two super teams. The match is presented as a duel of styles. Faced with the rapid transitions and stampedes of New Zealand – and Jordan – the preference of los Springboksto dominate the static phases, wear down the opponent in combat and break into a run on very few select occasions.
This is what the latest clashes between the two three-time world champions dictate. On July 15, New Zealand, with a very dangerous Jordan, beat South Africa clearly (35-20). The All Blacks managed to run from the start and in just over a quarter of an hour they scored three tries. Then the Springboks, like in Saturday’s semi-final against Englandthey rebuilt themselves from the mele and began a comeback that they did not complete that day.
Will Jordan poses for a test against ArgentinaFrank FifeAFP
They met again, with a different script, on August 25 in the last preparation meeting for this World Cup. The South African physical dominance left New Zealand without the ball, with the largest defeat in its history (35-7) and some worrying feelings. “We didn’t think too much about that match,” Jordan said on Friday when asked about the possibility, already confirmed, of a new confrontation with their great rivals in the final of France 2023.
Will Jordan will also face a personal challenge on Saturday. If he scores a try in the final he will become the first player to reach nine in the same championship. With the current eight he shares the podium precisely with two other New Zealanders, Jonah Role (1999) y Julian Savea (2015), and the South African Bryan Habana (2007). But he assures that he has not proposed it. “We came to look for victory in the World Cup, we will be delighted not to score if that means we have fulfilled our goal.”
2023-10-23 15:17:55
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