Will Jordan opens up on injury setback as All Blacks star ready to ‘get back into the same flow’
Crusaders and All Blacks star Will Jordan.
The Crusaders have received a timely boost ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs after star full-back Will Jordan was ruled fit for Friday’s clash with the Reds in Christchurch.
The 27-year-old, who is one of the best attacking players in the competition, revealed that despite a knee injury which he sustained in the Crusaders’ loss to the Chiefs on May 10, it was always the plan for him to return to action at the start of the tournament’s knockout rounds.
The All Blacks star missed the last three matches of the Crusaders‘ Super Rugby Pacific campaign – against the Waratahs, Highlanders and Brumbies – but is fit and raring to go after recovering from a damaged medial ligament.
‘Stoked the knee has been able to get back in action’
“[I was] always looking at this window so I’m stoked the knee has been able to get back in action this week for an important game for us,” Jordan told 1News.
Jordan has been one of the Crusaders’ top performers this year and played in their first 11 matches of the season without resting and was due a break.
His injury would have been concerning for Crusaders boss Rob Penney, ahead of the Super Rugby Pacific’s knockout rounds, and for All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson before the upcoming international campaign.
“It’s good to have a freshen up and I just have to make sure I get back into the same flow I had,” said Jordan.
All Blacks powerhouse a late withdrawal for Hurricanes’ clash with the Brumbies
That flow which he refers to was evident in the league clash between the Crusaders and Reds in Christchurch on March 9 when he delivered a superb attacking performance.
Jordan finished that match with 61 metres gained from nine runs which included two clean breaks, five defenders beaten and he was rewarded with two tries for his efforts.
Despite his reputation as an excellent attacker, he is not concerned about the pressure which comes with the territory when returning to such a high-stakes environment.
‘Every week you’ve go to perform’
“In this environment, there’s always pressure,” he said. “It’s a results business, so every week you’ve go to perform. Johnny [McNicholl] played well while I was out so it’s on me to come in and pick up the good form.”
His not too concerned with the recent injury which kept him on the sidelines and feels such setback is part of the game.
“At this time of year everyone has bumps and bruises – it’s the nature of the game so strap it up and get out there,” added Jordan.
“It’s certainly not one you want to miss so no reservations from me about getting back into this weekend.”
