Will Jordan has become the All Blacks' all-time leading try-scorer, reaching 50 tries in 56 Tests, surpassing Doug Howlett's record of 49 in 62 Tests. The 28-year-old wing's strike rate of 0.9 tries per Test is extraordinary, yet France's Louis Bielle-Biarrey is not far behind with 29 tries in 27 Tests and 64 in 97 club games for Bordeaux. Both players are transforming how their teams attack, using pace and anticipation to confound defenders.
Gamechangers Changing Rugby
New Zealand and France increasingly base their games around Jordan and Bielle-Biarrey, recognizing that speed is a potent weapon. England's Henry Pollock, a 21-year-old back-row forward, also impressed with a hat-trick against Fiji in Liverpool, scoring six tries in 311 international minutes—a try every 52 minutes. Despite his impact off the bench, Pollock has started only once, leading to calls for him to be unleashed from the outset.
Potential for Global Stardom
Rugby's current box-office draws include Siya Kolisi, Antoine Dupont, and Ardie Savea, but many are over 30. The emergence of young talents like Pollock could boost the sport's profile. With Nations Championship finals approaching, media and marketing efforts are needed to make these players household names. As one observer noted, even fans struggle to recognize players out of kit, highlighting the need for greater exposure.
