All Blacks star emerges as doubt for opening Springboks Test
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Doubt.
The All Blacks are sweating on the fitness of Will Jordan ahead of their opening Test against the Springboks, with the 28-year-old still struggling with a back injury.
Jordan is yet to feature on Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour and has once again been left out of the New Zealand side for Saturday’s clash with the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.
Jordan, who recently became New Zealand’s record try-scorer, had initially been expected to make his first appearance of the tour against the Sharks in Durban earlier this week, but his back problem prevented him from taking the field.
All Blacks boss Dave Rennie has now admitted Jordan is still not fully recovered with just over a week to go until the opening Test against South Africa at Ellis Park.
“He’s not quite right,” Rennie said when providing an update on Jordan’s fitness.
His continued absence leaves New Zealand facing the prospect of heading into the Springboks series with one of their biggest attacking threats having played no rugby during the provincial stage of the tour.
Jordan has established himself as a key figure in the All Blacks backline and would be expected to play a major role against the world champions if fit.
New Zealand do have some positive injury news, with Damian McKenzie expected to recover from the ankle injury he suffered against the Sharks in time for the opening Test.
Cam Roigard is also working his way back from a calf problem.
The All Blacks face the Bulls on Saturday before turning their full attention to the Springboks and the opening Test at Ellis Park on August 22.
