Emus World Cup Preview: Women's Open

It’s pleasing to see the growth of the women's game internationally, and in 2024, 21 nations will contest the Women’s Open division. The Australians will head into this World Cup as the clear favourites, but with a growing international talent base, anything can happen in a single 40-minute game. 

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

 

Participating Teams

Pool A 

• Australia 

• Belgium 

• Canada 

• Cook Islands 

• France 

• Japan 

• Lebanon 

• Papua New Guinea 

• Singapore 

• Thailand 

• Wales 

Pool B 

• England 

• Fiji 

• Hong Kong 

• Ireland 

• Netherlands 

• New Zealand 

• Philippines 

• Samoa 

• South Africa 

• United States 
  

 

The Numbers That Matter

9 – Nine from nine. Every single Women’s Open Gold Medal match has been contested between Australia and New Zealand. Will we see a Trans-Tasman match conclude proceedings for the tenth time or will new teams make their first appearance in a Gold Medal match? 

28 – A record dating back to 2015, the Australian Women’s Open team are 28 games undefeated. A strong World Cup campaign can see them extend this streak to as far as 40. Although, they will still have to remain undefeated for a few more years to get anywhere close to the record of 73 games. 

36 – Alongside Gavin Shuker (in 2011), Marikki Watego currently holds the record for most tries at a single World Cup with 36. She achieved this in 2019 across 10 Women’s Opens games. Will anyone come close to breaking this record in 2024? 

37 / 35 / 34 – Kim Sue See, Danni Norman, and Hannah Dyball are the three most experienced players in this side with 37, 35, and 34 international caps respectively, and they will all be participating in their third Touch World Cup at Opens level. Should the Australians go deep within this tournament as expected, they’ll all join the likes of Emus greats Kristy Judd, Kerry Norman, Amanda Judd, and Louise Winchester for the most Women’s Open World Cup appearances. 

 

Athelite Australian Emus to Watch

Rachel Jeffs – After captaining the 2018 Women’s 20s side, Rachel Jeffs is set to compete in her first-ever Touch World Cup at Opens level. Scoring 12 tries in Malaysia, the Australians took home the Gold in dominant fashion, including winning the final 13 tries to 1. Making her Opens debut last April in Brisbane, the middle was a standout with the ball in hand, causing headaches for the Touch Blossoms and Touch Blacks over the course of the weekend. Instrumental to organising the attack, look to Rachel to be heavily involved in the build-up play heading towards the opposition line.  

Rebecca Mi Mi – 2024 has already been a massive year for Rebecca Mi Mi with standout performances at the Indigenous All Stars game and The Championships in Coffs Harbour. A three-time Bo de la Cruz medallist, Rebecca was immense in Coffs Harbour this year, earning the Karen Smith Player of the Series. The UQ Rebels representative will have a major presence on attack, whether she’s sliding over the line herself, or putting one of her teammates into open space. The Queenslander is one of the best big-game players in the sport today, evident by recent performances at the Opens Trans-Tasman. On her Australian debut, she rightfully earned Coach’s Award honours, proving to be a constant threat on attack and a reliable defender on the other end. Having now reached the pinnacle of the sport, expect Rebecca to once again shine on the global stage. 

 

Toughest Match-Ups

New Zealand – Our Trans-Tasman rivals will be eager to take home Gold for the first time ever in the Women’s Open division this July. The last time we met, the Australians retained the Opens Trans-Tasman series in a clean sweep. A young tenacious Touch Blacks side put up a spirited effort against Australia – and despite leaving Brisbane defeated, would have taken many valuable lessons from the experience. In 2019, the Touch Blacks made the final in comfortable fashion, only conceding 8 tries in the group stage and defeating Japan 7-1 in the semi-final. Five years on their side looks very different, but will the same be said about the result? 

Japan – A lot of eyes will be on Japan this World Cup, with the Touch Blossoms determined to improve on their Bronze medal finish in 2019. Although going winless at the 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Test Series, their performances left a great impression on the Touch Football community. Later trips to Australia to compete in the Queensland State Cup and The Championships in Coffs Harbour have ensured that the Touch Blossoms have had a sound built-up year heading into the Touch World Cup. Should they make it out of their group, look to Japan as a dark horse medallist in this tournament. 

England – The hosts have had a strong preparation for their home World Cup and will be looking to improve on their fifth-place finish in 2019. In 2023, they were crowned European champions in dominant fashion, scoring 111 tries across nine games as they defeated France 10-4 in the final. Later that year, they visited Australia to participate in the Queensland State Cup, playing matches against UQ Rebels, Brisbane Metro, and Japan Touch. These experiences have only made the hosts stronger, and they’ll be backing their chances to go deep in this tournament. Keep an eye out on the dynamic duo of Nikki Wise and Carly Wynne who led the way for England last August at the European Championships scoring a combined 38 tries. 

 

Athelite Australian Emus Fixtures*

Day 2 Fixtures: July 16 

• 10:40am VS Wales 

• 3:40pm VS Singapore 

Day 3 Fixtures: July 17 

• 9:00am VS Papua New Guinea 

• 2:00pm VS Lebanon 

Day 4 Fixtures: July 18 

• 12:20pm VS Japan 

• 5:20pm VS France 

Day 5 Fixtures: July 19 

• 9:40am VS Cook Islands 

• 1:55pm VS Canada 

Day 6 Fixtures: July 20 

• 8:00am VS Belgium 

• 1:20pm Playoff Qualifier 

• 1:20pm Quarter Finals 

Day 7 Fixtures: July 21 

• 9:00am Playoffs 

• 11:00am Semi Finals 

• 1:00pm Bronze Medal 

• 4:00pm 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 Women’s Open draw in its entirety, CLICK HERE 

 

Last Word: With only one loss prior in Touch World Cup competition, the Australian Women’s Open team has long been considered the benchmark of Touch Football excellence in the sport. Expect the ladies to continue their dominance with their tenth Gold medal, but is the gap closing? 

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. 

All Stats Courtesy of the Touch Almanac by Cary Thompson