Will Jordan expresses interest in positional switch for All Blacks

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New Zealand and Crusaders utility back Will Jordan has revealed that he is hoping to make more appearances at full-back in the international arena.

Jordan has become a try-scoring sensation for the All Blacks as a wing and has already scored 31 tries for the three-time world champions in as many Test appearances.

In fine form for the Crusaders

He burst onto the scene at Super Rugby level with the Crusaders in 2019 and has shone predominantly at full-back for the Christchurch-based franchise.

Since making his Test debut against Australia, Jordan has made 26 starts on the right wing, one at full-back and the remaining four appearances were off the replacements bench.

And while he’s eyeing more starts in New Zealand‘s number 15 jersey, the 25-year-old knows that it will not be easy to get that role as Beauden Barrett, who is currently on a sabbatical with Japan Rugby League One outfit Toyota Verblitz, was one of the All Blacks’ star performers during their recent campaign at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

“My focus for the next six months is around Super Rugby and performing well there, but I’ve usually played at full-back for the Crusaders so we’ll see what happens there,” Jordan told the New Zealand Herald.

“It’s just about having a good campaign of footy, hopefully get into the ABs and then from there see what happens.

“Obviously, Beaudy’s coming back, which is exciting, but for me it’s just about having a good Super Rugby campaign, work on the things I need to and see what happens in July when we get there.”

Apart from his excellence at Test level, Jordan has also been a genuine attacking threat from full-back for the Crusaders under the guidance of Scott Robertson, who is now the All Blacks’ head coach.

Test spots up for grabs

Although the season is yet to get underway, there are several All Blacks positions up for grabs after several players opted to head overseas after the World Cup.

Fly-half, full-back and blindside flank are among those positions which need to be filled while Robertson revealed that there are opportunities for players to cement long-term slots in the second-row and at scrum-half following the departures of legendary trio Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Aaron Smith after the global showpiece.

“There’s always an opportunity,” Robertson said. “It’s pretty clear around the locks. You lose [the experience of] a couple of hundred-odd tests and a couple of icons – who’s next?

“We’re getting excited about some great young athletes that are coming through and Nuggy [Smith], you can’t replace him for what he’s done with experience, but you can replace him with someone that’s skilled and gifted and as passionate as him. We’ve got a few coming through.”