Will Jordan becomes All Blacks' record try-scorer in Nations Championship win over Italy

By SABC Sport
11th July 2026

Will Jordan became New Zealand's all-time leading Test try-scorer as the All Blacks beat Italy 47-17 in their Nations Championship clash on Saturday, running in seven tries after a dominant second-half display.

Dave Rennie's side were made to work early on and led just 14-10 at halftime after Italy made a bright start through Tommaso Menoncello, before Sam Darry and Jordan crossed before the break to edge the hosts ahead.

The All Blacks emerged with far greater intensity in the second half and quickly broke down Italy's defence, scoring four tries in the space of 15 minutes through Cam Roigard, Ethan de Groot and two quickfire efforts from Jordan to take control of the contest.

Italy's task became even tougher when lock Niccolo Cannone's yellow card for a headbutt on Roigard was upgraded to a red following a bunker review.

Jordan's three-try haul took his career tally to 50 tries in just 56 Tests, moving him past former winger Doug Howlett as New Zealand's outright record try-scorer.

To Italy's credit, they managed to add another try after the red card, Leonardo Marin scoring the visitors' only points of the second half before Tupou Vaa'i added a late seventh try for the All Blacks.

The result gave New Zealand a second successive victory in the inaugural Nations Championship, after last week's win over France. They host Ireland next weekend, while Italy travel to Perth to face Australia.