New Zealand’s Will Jordan Equals Rugby World Cup Record, Misses Chance to Make History in France

• Will Jordan has equalled the record for the most tries scored in a single edition of the World Cup
• Legends Jonah Lomu, Julian Savea and Bryan Habana have also achieved the feat for most tries
• Jordan had the chance to claim the outright record but could not score in the final of the World Cup

Will Jordan has made Rugby World Cup history but missed out on more.

The New Zealand winger tied the record for the most tries at a single men’s Rugby World Cup tournament but missed the chance to claim the record for himself.

Before the World Cup final against South Africa, Jordan had already scored eight tries in France, equalling the previous record.

As noted by All Blacks, Jordan equalled the previous record held by Jonah Lomu (NZ), Julian Savea (NZ), and Bryan Habana (SA).

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He turned heads with his performance in the tournament heading into the final, especially his hat-trick against Argentina. Jordan scored one of the tries of the tournament during the game, which got people talking.

Jordan didn't think about the record

Speaking ahead of the final, Jordan admitted that he wasn’t thinking about the record and would be happy as long as the All Blacks won the title.

"I'll be happy to take a zero on the score sheet if it means we get the job done," he said at the time.

Unfortunately for him, the All Blacks did not win the title, and he didn't break the record. The Springboks won the game 12-11 and defended their title. As reported by The Evening Standard, New Zealand only scored one try during the game, and it was scored by Beauden Barrett.

Siya's shot at history

History beckoned for Siya Kolisi ahead of the World Cup final in France.

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A win for South Africa over New Zealand in the final would mean that he became just the second captain in Rugby World Cup history to capture back-to-back titles.

Sports Brief looks at how the Springboks have performed under Kolisi's captaincy in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup.