Former All Black Justin Marshall has conceded Will Jordan's best position may be on the wing, after the Crusaders star played a starring role in the 35-20 win over South Africa at Mt Smart.
Marshall has previously advocated that Jordan's Super Rugby form at fullback should see him slot into that role in the test arena.
After Jordan's long-awaited return in the black jersey, Marshall has told Sky's Breakdown he's now convinced of his ability on the wing, with fellow rugby pundit Steven Bates declaring him as the first-choice No.14 going forward.
"There's a lot of competition around the wings, but he was that good, he's almost put himself there," said Bates. "You can't get rid of him, he was that good."
Said Marshall: "I thought that his adaption from having a license to roam, when he came across for the try that [Shannon] Frizell scored, he came off the right wing, right across the field to the left, and injected himself into the game.
"He chased everything down, that was a complete winger's performance and there's not many wingers in the world that could play a game like that. Well done, you've convinced me."
Jordan's performance was complemented by a Beauden Barrett masterclass at fullback, with the regular first-five instrumental in the win.
Former All Black Jeff Wilson has hailed Barrett's influence on the test match and for laying the platform for Jordan to excel.
"This was more about Beauden Barrett," he said. "This was his best game in the All Blacks jersey for probably two years.
"In terms of controlling the backfield, his timing stepping into first-five, but also his connection with the other players around him.
"All of a sudden, he was playing that role as another pivot, he was getting himself in the right position, so all of a sudden, you feel comfortable.
"It doesn't mean we're not adaptable in what we can do. If we wanted to change the game and see Will Jordan at fullback, we could do that mid-game, depending on what happens.
"We have to remember, with their selection, that they were really comfortable if they lost Richie Mo'unga, that Beauden Barrett was going to be their guy at No.10 and Will Jordan would clearly be the guy at fullback.
"If they had to adapt and maybe change something, they've got that ability."
