Will Jordan scored a hat-trick to become New Zealand's all-time leading try-scorer in Tests as the All Blacks overcame a slow start to beat Italy 47-17 in Wellington, remaining unbeaten after two rounds of the Nations Championship.
Jordan's record-breaking performance
Jordan's three tries took his tally to 50 in 56 Tests, surpassing Doug Howlett's previous record of 49. The fullback scored his first from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skilful recovery by Leroy Carter, giving New Zealand the lead for the first time in the 30th minute. He equalled the record with his second try after the break, set up by debutant Josh Moorby, and claimed the record outright in the 54th minute from Barrett's quick thinking at a tapped penalty.
"I think back to when I was a kid practising my chip and chase in the back yard. To think I'd be here today, it's hugely humbling," Jordan said. "I guess as a winger on the end of the chain I've been part of some great teams over the last seven years."
Slow start concerns new coach Dave Rennie
New Zealand trailed 14-10 at halftime after a dismal first-half performance. Italy opened the scoring through Tommaso Menoncello from an All Blacks turnover after only three minutes. Though Sam Darry responded within five minutes, Italy denied New Zealand space and possession with a flat and physical defence. The All Blacks struggled with errors in handling, defence, aerial contests and discipline, worse than in their 34-32 first-round win over France.
"I think we started really well and we were putting the under pressure," Italy captain Michele Lamaro said. "They were trying to compete around the breakdown and we were really strong in that area. They came back on the field after halftime with another gear and we couldn't hold them."
Second-half resurgence and debutants shine
New Zealand scored five tries and 33 points after halftime. Debutant Josh Moorby, playing on his birthday, made a live-wire impact off the bench in the 31st minute. He broke off the left wing and combined with Cam Roigard to score two minutes after the resumption, then won an intercept before Ethan de Groot crashed over. Moorby also outpaced the cover defence to set up Jordan's second try.
Anton Segner came on at halftime for his debut, becoming the first player born in Germany to play for the All Blacks. His parents flew from Frankfurt to be present.
Discipline issues and Italy's fight
Italy played much of the last quarter with 14 men after Niccolo Cannone's yellow card for an attempted head butt on Roigard was upgraded to a red. Despite the disadvantage, Italy scored their second try through Leonardo Marin in the 57th minute. The All Blacks also had Ruben Love sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on in the 71st minute, his second yellow card in as many Tests.
The All Blacks now prepare to face Ireland next weekend in Auckland, with head coach Dave Rennie concerned about the errors that featured at both ends of the match. Italy, who lost their opening Nations Championship match to Japan in Tokyo, will look to bounce back.
