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Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in 47-17 rout of Italy / Photo: © AFP
Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in 47-17 rout of Italy
Will Jordan scored a hat-trick to become New Zealand's record try-scorer as Italy were overwhelmed 47-17 in a fast-paced Nations Championship Test on Saturday.
The All Blacks shook off an unconvincing start to score seven tries and make it two wins from two in the inaugural 12-nation competition under new coach Dave Rennie, following their 34-32 defeat of France last week.
The home side led 14-10 after an unconvincing first half but they came alive in the third quarter of the match when they crossed four times as Italy were reduced to 14 players.
Two of those went to speedy wing Jordan, lifting his career tally to 50 in 56 Tests and one ahead of the former record-holder, wing Doug Howlett.
Italy's hopes nosedived when lock Niccolo Cannone was shown a yellow card 10 minutes after the interval for a head-butt on New Zealand scrum-half Cam Roigard.
It was upgraded to red by match officials who deemed it carried a high degree of danger, with no mitigation.
The visitors suffered a series of injuries, including an apparent chest injury to fullback Tommaso Allan, who was stretchered from the field after a lengthy break.
Italy made a dream start when midfielder Tommaso Menoncello crossed in the third minute, finishing off a move he began by busting through Billy Proctor's attempted tackle and interchanging passes with Malik Faissal.
New Zealand levelled the scores at 7-7 when lock Sam Darry barged over, before the visitors went back in front through a penalty to Allan.
Jordan crossed on the half-hour mark to ensure New Zealand took a narrow advantage into the interval after a scrappy 40 minutes in which they struggled to dent a resolute Italy defence.
Four New Zealand tries in the first 14 minutes of the second spell bulldozed Italy's hopes of a first Test win over New Zealand in 18 attempts.
The first two went to Roigard and Ethan De Groot, both after good work from substitute wing Josh Moorby on Test debut.
Jordan then crossed twice in quick succession but the home side had to wait until the final minute for their last try, by lock Tupou Vaa'i.
Italy's lone second half try was scored by substitute Leonardo Marin.
New Zealand host Ireland in Auckland next week while Italy, who were beaten 27-10 by Japan last week, will play Australia in Perth.
P.Grazvydas--BTZ
