All Blacks star Will Jordan gives candid assessment on his return to action

All Blacks utility back Will Jordan made a successful return to action when he turned out for Tasman during a National Provincial Championship (NPC) warm-up match against Southland in Christchurch on Friday.

Jordan, who is comfortable at full-back and on the wing, has spent the entire season on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, with his last match being the 2023 World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.

Crossed the whitewash

However, the 26-year-old showed no signs of discomfort during a 60-minute stint for the Mako and scored one of their tries in a comfortable 36-7 victory at the Christchurch Rugby Club.

“Firstly, it’s great to be back in the Tassie colours,” Jordan told 1News after the match which was played in front of bumper crowd, said to be the biggest attendance at the club in a decade.

“It’s been about four-five years since I last played (for Tasman).

“The game was pretty open, so there was more running for the legs than contact for the shoulder, but I’m feeling really good.”

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Jordan, who said he is ready to play for the All Blacks again, is one of the most prolific try-scorers at international level after scoring 31 tries for his country in as many Test appearances.

“In particular, it’s been frustrating in the All Blacks environment, but not being able to play… you do miss being out there,” he said.

All Blacks coaches in attendance

There were several interested spectators at Friday’s match, with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and his assistants, Scott Hansen and Tamati Ellison, spotted in the crowd, while former Crusaders and New Zealand fly-half Richie Mo’unga was also in attendance.

Apart from Jordan, fellow All Blacks squad members David Havili, Noah Hotham and Ethan Blackadder were in action for Tasman with Havili representing the province for the second successive week.

“I definitely didn’t play the way I wanted to play during Super Rugby, but I’ve got something to improve on after 50 minutes today, 40 minutes last week,” Havili told 1News.

“I’m looking forward to getting into camp and getting stuck in. I also love playing for my home union whenever I get the chance.”

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