Emus World Cup Preview: Mixed Open

The 2024 Mixed Open division in the 2024 Federation of International Touch (FIT) World Cup is set to be the largest in the event’s history. The 29 teams participating comfortably surpass the previous record of 22 (2015 and 2019) and serve as the largest division in Touch World Cup history. Australia will be looking to retain their Gold Medal, having emerged triumphant in an epic 2019 Grand Final against New Zealand.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Mixed Open division.

 

Participating Teams

Pool A

• Australia
• China
• Ireland
• Italy
• Philippines
• Spain
• USA

Pool B

• Cayman Islands
• Chinese Taipei
• Germany
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Scotland
• South Africa

Pool C

• Guernsey
• Lebanon
• Malaysia
• Papua New Guinea
• Portugal
• Samoa
• Wales

Pool D

• Belgium
• Canada
• Chile
• England
• France
• Jersey
• Middle East Touch
• Switzerland

 

The Numbers That Matter

2.43 – Since 1991, the Gold Medal match in the Mixed Open division has been decided by an average of 2.43 points. No matter the result, expect the final to be one of the best games of the tournament.

19 – At 19 years old, Mackenzie Davis will be the youngest Australian representative at this year’s Touch World Cup. Winning the Roxy Winder Award in 2023 for her performance at the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup and earning Player of the Final honours (Women’s Open) at The Championships this year, Mackenzie has already demonstrated in her young career that she is more than ready to shine on the biggest stage in Touch Football.

29 – With 29 tries, Zara Nicholas is Australia’s leading try scorer in the Mixed Open division and ranks sixth all-time. A strong campaign can see her get within reach or potentially surpass Welsh Touch Football great Gareth Revell, who currently tops the leaderboard with 43 tries.

 

Athelite Australian Emus to Watch

James Hegedus – Dangerous and flashy with the ball in hand, James Hegedus is expected to be significantly instrumental to Australia’s attack this July. Whether it’s through his immense step or compelling playmaking ability, the Queenslander can open the field and turn the tide of a game in an instant. In 2023, he earned Player’s Player of the Series for his efforts at the Opens Trans-Tasman Series. His most notable moment, came in the form of the game-three match-winner, scoring in the final minute to seal the Athelite Australian Emus’ campaign against New Zealand. Come the tournament's latter stages, look to James Hegedus to step up to the occasion again.

Kai Simbolon – Multiple members of the Athelite Australian Emus will be making their debut this World Cup, including Kai Simbolon. The Parramatta middle has come into his own these past few years, with standout performances at state and national levels drawing great appraisal. An incredible playmaker, the New South Welshmen has displayed tremendous eyes-up footy, which makes him almost unpredictable to defend. Earning a well-earned debut in the green and gold, Kai Simbolon will be looking to make the most of his first opportunity on the global Touch Football stage.

Stephanie Maiolo – With several debutants in the side, Stephanie Maiolo is now one of the veterans of the Mixed Open team. In 2019, she announced herself to the world with a remarkable 24 tries in Malaysia, as Australia were crowned world champions. After a several-year hiatus, the Manly Touch representative celebrated the return of International Touch Footy, with 10 tries at last year’s Open Trans-Tasman Test Series against New Zealand and Japan. A skilful finisher, the NSW representative is one of the hardest workers in the sport today, with her efforts on defence just as admirable as her try-scoring ability.

 

Toughest Match-Ups

New Zealand – New Zealand will be searching for their first Mixed Open Gold Medal since 2007 when they went the tournament undefeated before defeating Australia 6-4 in the final. The last time they met was last year in Brisbane where the Trams-Tasman rivals contested an enthralling three-game series. Although Australia achieved the clean sweep, the series was an incredibly tight tussle and could have gone either way. Standout performances from the likes of Daniel Langbridge and James Hegedus, as well as a strong defensive display from Australia, ensured that the Trans-Tasman trophy was retained. In a stacked side, Eifion Jones will be one Kiwi to keep an eye on, with his dazzling footwork set to cause a few headaches to opposition defences this tournament.

Wales – Australia and Wales have only crossed paths once in World Cup history with an 18-2 victory in 2011 in Edinburgh. In 2019, Wales earned a fifth-place finish in the Mixed Open by defeating rivals England in the playoffs. Since then, the team has gone from strength to strength, winning back-to-back European Championships. Facing tough competition, the 2023 campaign in France was the first time a team from Wales successfully defended the continental title in the Open category. With plenty of big game experience in recent years, the Welsh side won’t be a pushover for the Emus, should their paths cross come finals time – with players Daniel Roberts and Owen Carroll to be key points of difference.

Samoa – In the past World Cup cycle, Samoa have arguably made the biggest improvements in their international Touch program and now emerge as one of the dark horses of this year’s tournament. In 2019 they had a proud showing by finishing their group second to New Zealand and falling short to Australia in the semi-finals. Five years later, the Pacific nation has continued to improve, culminating in winning Gold at the Pacific Games last December. Taking home the Gold in the Men’s and Women’s divisions as well, the Samoa Mixed Open completed the trifecta, defeating Papua New Guinea 7-6 in the final.

 

Athelite Australian Emus Fixtures*

Day 2 Fixtures: July 16

• 9:00am VS Philippines
• 2:00pm VS United States

Day 3 Fixtures: July 17

• 1:10pm VS Ireland
• 6:10pm VS China

Day 4 Fixtures: July 18

• 2:50pm VS Italy
• 6:10pm VS Spain

Day 5 Fixtures: July 19

• 3:45pm Elimination Matches 1, 2, 3, 4
• 4:40pm Elimination Matches 5, 6, 7, 8

Day 6 Fixtures: July 20

• 9:40am Playoffs
• 12:25pm Quarter Finals 1, 2, 3, 4
• 4:05pm Semi Finals 1, 2

Day 7 Fixtures: July 21

• 10:00am Playoffs
• 12:00pm Bronze Medal
• 3:00pm Gold Medal

*Draft draw, subject to change. All times are shown in local England time zones. Follow Touch Football Australia (TFA) on social media for all up-to-date schedule information.

To see the Mixed Open draw in its entirety, CLICK HERE

 

Last Word: Flip a coin on this one. Expect the Trans-Tasman rivalry to resume once again in the Gold Medal match. The Emus with their noses in front on recent form. Real interest on which nation can secure the Bronze medal.

All Stats Courtesy of the Touch Almanac by Cary Thompson

The 2024 FIT Touch World Cup begins July 15 in Nottingham, England. Follow TFA’s socials on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for all updates before and throughout the World Cup.