Will Jordan showcased exactly what the Crusaders were missing last year with a performance against the Hurricanes likely to be one of the highlights of their victory for coach Rob Penney.
The All Blacks wing didn’t play a match for the red and blacks last year due to injury and was badly missed.
The Crusaders won only four matches and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015, but began their new season with a come-from-behind 33-25 victory over the Hurricanes in Christchurch that was notable for Jordan’s form along with that of halfback Kyle Preston on his Super Rugby debut. First-five Taha Kemara was also hugely impressive in what was a problem position for the Crusaders in 2024.
Jordan’s finishing ability is well known and while he didn’t cross the line for the Crusaders during their five-try-to-three win, it was his distribution skills which caught the eye – it was his break and inside pass which sent Preston away for the first of his three tries and he also featured in the build-up to Preston’s second and Sevu Reece’s try.
“He’s a phenomenal rugby player,” Penney said of Jordan. “That’s why he’s one of the best in the world. We missed him terribly last year.
“He’s a bit of a unique freak in a number of areas, as we know. He’s got the capability of helping people around him flourish. When he gets the ball he’s a magnet for defenders and his distribution today was really efficient.
“He’ll get better. He got 40 minutes last week, as all the All Blacks did, and they’ll steadily improve.”
The Crusaders’ start did not bode well, with Scott Barrett sinbinned after four penalties in the first four minutes and halfback Noah Hotham limping off with a high ankle sprain.
They also conceded two converted tries, but Preston’s intervention and the coolness of 21-year-old first-five Kemara helped turn the tide.
Preston’s performance, in his first game for the Crusaders after moving south from Wellington, wasn’t necessarily a surprise for coach Penney.
“When you’re running 4 minute 13 broncos you’re going to have plenty of fuel in the tank,” Penney said. “We trust him, we got him here for a reason. Not only did he score those three tries, he also box kicked really at crucial times and distributed really well.
Former Wallaby James O’Connor, who appeared sharp when replacing Kemara, said his teammate had plenty of ability.
“Taha’s got game, that’s for sure,” O’Connor said. “I love watching him play and training with him and trying to keep up with him. He’s a livewire.
“The way he handled the pressure at the start – four penalties in a row and a yellow card – I thought he really steadied the ship.”
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