Despite the series being wrapped up on Saturday there was no love lost between Australia and New Zealand on the final day as the Trans-Tasman rivals closed out the 2023 series in scintillating fashion.
In the Mixed Open, the Touch Blacks came out firing running out to an early 2-0 lead. Eventually the Aussies broke down a valiant New Zealand defence, with tries to Stephanie Maiolo, Jessica Potts and Wilson Groth giving the Emus the lead heading into half time. The second half turned into a classic shootout including 5 tries to Atawhai Hotene. A last minute piece of individual brilliance from James Hegedus was all that separated the teams as the new look Mixed Open Emus secured a series clean sweep.
In the Women's Open the Touch Blacks were gutsy in defeat, with the Australian's again reminding the world why they are the benchmark for women's touch football. Brisbane Broncos NRLW player Hayley Maddick led the way for the Aussies with a first half hat trick as they emerged victorious 10 tries to 3.
After arguably the greatest contest ever between the two sides 24-hours earlier many were wondering how game three would play out and it did not disappoint, delivering another epic, with New Zealand out for redemption and playing for pride. Momentum swung back and forth throughout the game, including an immense finish from James Courtney. However, in the end New Zealand earned bragging rights for the night edging out the Emus and deserving winners 8 tries to 7.
It was an emotional day for the Japan Touch Blossoms with legend Hideaki Nara playing his final international game, hanging up the boots after a stellar 20 plus year career. With an incredible five World cup appearances at Opens level, Hideaki will go down in history as a legend of the game.
It was a big tournament for the referees as well, with Aussie Kim Skelly awarded referee of the series following on from his recent NTL number one ranking. It was a momentous weekend as well for Richie Heap, who refereed his 50th test match during Saturday's Mixed Open Trans-Tasman.
There will be much to discuss, learn and adapt over the coming months for all three nations, as attention now turns to next year's Touch World Cup in England.
Day 3 Results
Mixed Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 15 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 3
Women's Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 16 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 2
Men's Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 19 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 3
Mixed Open - New Zealand Touch Blacks 16 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 2
Women's Open - New Zealand Touch Blacks 10 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 5
Men's Open - New Zealand Touch Blacks 13 defeated Japan Touch Blossoms 4
Mixed Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 10 defeated New Zealand Touch Blacks 9
Women's Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 10 defeated New Zealand Touch Blacks 3
Men's Open - Pain Away Australian Emus 7 defeated by New Zealand Touch Blacks 8
Series Standings - End of Day 3
Mixed Open: Pain Away Australian Emus 3 - 0 New Zealand Touch Blacks
Women's Open: Pain Away Australian Emus 3 - 0 New Zealand Touch Blacks
Men's Open: Pain Away Australian Emus 2 - 1 New Zealand Touch Blacks
Referee Award and Medal Recipients
Referee of the Series
Kim Skelly
Men's Open Trans-Tasman Referees
- Kim Skelly
- David Baggio
- Tony Calabria
Women's Open Trans-Tasman Referees
- Jordan Randle
- Campbell Muir
- Alisha Ruaiti
Mixed Open Trans-Tasman Referees
- George Haswell
- John Dustow
- Richie Heap
