Will Jordan headlines Top 5 All Blacks of the Summer so far as Springboks challenge looms

The first chapter of the Dave Rennie era could hardly have gone better. The new All Blacks head coach guided New Zealand to three victories during the opening round of the Nations Championship, beginning with a thrilling 34-32 win over France before dominant victories against Italy and Ireland.

New Zealand followed up their narrow win in Christchurch with a 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington, before completing a perfect July window with a commanding 40-21 triumph over Ireland at Eden Park. Across the three matches, the All Blacks scored 121 points and showcased the depth of talent available to Rennie as he begins the process of shaping his side ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Age: 28 / Position: Wing/Fullback / All Blacks tries: 52

Will Jordan was the standout performer of New Zealand's opening Nations Championship campaign. The Crusaders star entered the tournament already established as one of the most dangerous finishers in world rugby, but he left the July window as the All Blacks' all-time leading Test try-scorer.

Jordan scored twice in the opening 34-32 victory over France before producing a hat-trick against Italy to surpass Doug Howlett's long-standing record of 49 All Blacks tries. He then added another score against Ireland to finish the opening window with six tries in three matches.

His second try against France was arguably his most important contribution of the tournament. With the All Blacks leading by just two points, Jordan crossed in the 70th minute to give New Zealand crucial breathing room before France's late comeback attempt. While Cam Roigard took Player of the Match honours in Christchurch, Jordan was recognised for his record-breaking performance against Italy. The 28-year-old was also one of the few All Blacks to play the full 80 minutes in all three matches, underlining his importance to Rennie's new-look side.

Age: 31 / Position: Fly-half/Fullback / All Blacks tries: 23

Damian McKenzie remains one of the most versatile players in international rugby, and his ability to influence games from multiple positions was once again on show throughout the Nations Championship. The Chiefs star started all three matches at fullback, allowing Rennie to experiment with Ruben Love at fly-half during the opening two fixtures. The combination worked particularly well, with McKenzie's experience and attacking instincts complementing the younger playmaker.

McKenzie was named Player of the Match against Ireland after another influential performance at Eden Park. When Love was forced from the field through injury, McKenzie seamlessly moved into the No.10 jersey, showing the adaptability that has made him such a valuable member of the All Blacks squad.

He also scored against Ireland, producing a line break before finishing the move himself as New Zealand continued to pull away from Andy Farrell's side. McKenzie's ability to switch between fullback and fly-half without disrupting New Zealand's attacking structure could prove crucial for Rennie as the All Blacks continue to develop their new-look backline.

Age: 33 / Position: Lock / All Blacks tries: 9

Patrick Tuipulotu only featured in one match during the July window, but his performance against Ireland was enough to earn him a place among New Zealand's standout performers. The experienced lock returned to the starting line-up at Eden Park after missing the opening two matches with a calf injury and immediately made his presence felt.

Tuipulotu opened the scoring after just 14 minutes, bursting through a gap created by Josh Lord to mark his return to Test rugby with a try. However, his biggest contribution came in the defensive exchanges. His physicality around the gain line helped New Zealand establish control, while a crucial tackle on Tadhg Beirne late in the first half halted a promising Irish attack and helped the All Blacks maintain their momentum.

Tuipulotu brings something different to the New Zealand second row. Alongside his leadership and experience, he remains a powerful ball-carrier and a genuine threat close to the try line. His return gives Rennie another experienced option in a position where the All Blacks possess considerable depth.

Age: 29 / Position: Loose Forward / All Blacks tries: 5

Luke Jacobson may not have scored a try during the opening round of the Nations Championship, but his contribution to New Zealand's campaign was still significant. The Chiefs forward started the opening match against France ahead of Ardie Savea, and played a key role in one of the most important moments of the entire tournament.

With the All Blacks searching for a decisive score late in the match, Jacobson fought his way out of a tackle before producing a superb offload to Will Jordan. The winger raced clear to score in the 70th minute and put New Zealand in front. It was a moment that perfectly summed up Jacobson's value. His work rate, physicality and ability to keep the ball alive often go unnoticed, but his contribution was crucial in a match decided by just two points.

Jacobson also started against Ireland, further underlining the trust Rennie has placed in him during his first campaign in charge. With the unwanted asterisk of a heavily debated yellow card against Ireland's Josh van der Flier to one side, Jacobson has made a strong case for a regular role in the new-look side.

Age: 27 / Position: Wing / All Blacks tries: 0

Josh Moorby was one of the most exciting discoveries of New Zealand's opening Nations Championship window. The Hurricanes winger made his Test debut against Italy after coming off the bench in the 24th minute, replacing the injured Leroy Carter. Despite being thrown into the action earlier than expected, Moorby immediately looked comfortable at international level.

His ability under the high ball was particularly impressive, with the winger repeatedly taking pressure out of the Italian attack and helping New Zealand regain possession. Moorby's impact was enough to earn him a starting place for the final match against Ireland, giving him the opportunity to make his first Test start at Eden Park.

While he did not score during the July window, his performances showed why he has been so highly rated domestically. The 27-year-old offers pace, aerial ability and attacking ambition, while his experience in Europe has helped him develop into a more rounded player. Moorby may have arrived in the All Blacks squad as an unexpected replacement, but he left the Nations Championship with his name firmly in the conversation for future selection.