Jordan missed the opening 10 rounds of the season, returning for the Crusaders’ week-11 clash against the Western Force. Carrying for well over 100m and assisting on a couple of tries in a 57-minute stint, it was a big tick for the 25-year-old.
On Friday night, he played a starring role in the Crusaders’ 41-7 win over Moana Pasifika in Auckland. In his second-straight 80-minute performance, Jordan was fearless in taking the ball into contact and showed signs he is on the right path to finding his best again.
But that level of play will take some time yet to find, with his timing on the field being one area in particular Jordan is working on improving.
“It’s nice to have a bit of flow. Being out for a while, it’s been a little bit tough trying to find the timing again but I feel like with each week I’m sort of growing with that. Plenty of heavy collisions out there, so it was good to get through it.
“There’s been a bit of rust, a few timing [issues], but I think I’m just growing with it each week. I’ve been able to get a few nice touches each game, a few work-ons as well, so, I’ll just keep building.”
While it was a lengthy stint on the sidelines, time is now on Jordan’s side in his bid for higher honours throughout the year - ideally culminating in a spot in the All Blacks World Cup squad.
The Crusaders will be in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs, meaning they will have at least another three games in which Jordan seems likely to feature.
While Fergus Burke has done a good job at the back in Jordan’s place, his return adds another threat to the Crusaders’ attack and gives them a welcome boost as they head toward to knockout stages of the competition.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said it had been good to see Jordan back in a position where he was able to play, and he has no doubts the star fullback would get back to his best.
“I’m pleased,” Robertson said of Jordan’s comeback. “He’s just trying to get his rhythm, he’s just getting his hands on the ball and, he’s had such a long time out, he’s finding his feet and getting better and better and better with all the performances that he has.
“Look, a couple of touches he would have taken back, but there’s some magical touches of Will Jordan just to break those tackles and his time onto the ball. It’s coming for him.”