Behind the Fern episode 3: Historic week for the All Blacks
Episode three of Behind the Fern takes fans inside the All Blacks Test week against Italy, capturing Will Jordan’s record-breaking achievement and the emotion of Anton Segner and Josh Moorby earning their first Test caps.
From a record-breaking performance by Will Jordan to the lifelong dreams realised by Anton Segner and Josh Moorby, the episode captures the people and moments that make an All Blacks week so special.
The cameras follow the squad through their Nations Championship clash against Italy in Wellington, offering fans a closer look at the preparation, pressure and pride behind a Test match.
WATCH: Episode three of Behind the Fern
Will Jordan's record-breaking Test takes centre stage
For Jordan, the week would become one to remember forever.
The electric winger crossed the line three times in the All Blacks 47-17 victory over Italy to become the highest Test try-scorer in All Blacks history, surpassing the mark previously held by All Blacks legend, Doug Howlett.
While the milestone was a significant achievement, Jordan’s focus remained on contributing to the team, with the magnitude of the moment only sinking in afterwards.
Reflecting on his record-breaking try, Jordan recalls the exhaustion of the build-up before instinct took over.
“Yeah, honestly, got the ball and had been a big like 10 minutes of play before that, so I was honestly just quite tired,” Jordan says.
“I got the ball from Jordie (Barrett). It was about 15 metres out. The guys were coming across. I remember thinking, just give it the best 15 metres that you’ve got to get there, and then go to the line.
“Honestly, it all just happened pretty quick. I remember giving the fins up, and then the boys just coming in.”
The significance of the moment grew as Jordan made his way back towards halfway and saw the reaction from his teammates and the crowd.
“I think you can see my body language was pretty tired, to be fair. But I remember the energy that they brought in, particularly Damian. He definitely got the award for most excited for it.
“And then as I started running back towards halfway and saw the bench boys, Codie (Taylor), Cortez (Ratima), kind of jam the crowd up, and then the crowd was on their feet and the thing came up on the big screen, that’s when I probably took a moment to reflect on it, which was cool.”
Anton Segner's journey from Germany to the All Blacks
Away from Jordan’s milestone, episode three also captures two players experiencing one of the biggest moments of their careers.
For Segner and Moorby, the week represented the fulfilment of a childhood dream as they earned their first Test caps for the All Blacks.
Segner’s journey to the international stage has been one built on determination and opportunity. After moving to New Zealand from Germany as a young player, the loose forward progressed through the national pathway before earning his place among the country’s best.
The episode captures the emotion around his debut, as Segner reflects on the people and experiences that helped him reach the highest level.
Josh Moorby's lifelong dream becomes reality
For Moorby, his first Test cap marked the culmination of years of hard work and the reward for embracing every challenge along the way.
The episode also highlights the responsibility that comes with wearing the jersey, with players and coaches reflecting on the importance of carrying forward the legacy created by generations of All Blacks before them.
Behind the Fern episode three celebrates the meaning of the All Blacks jersey
For Jordan, it was a chance to create a new chapter in the All Blacks record books. For Segner and Moorby, it was the realisation of a dream. And for the wider group, it was another reminder of what sits behind the fern, the sacrifice, connection and shared purpose required to wear the black jersey.
Episode three of Behind the Fern is a celebration of milestones, but more importantly, it offers fans a glimpse into the moments that define what it means to be an All Black.
