A test series that is always circled on Touch enthusiasts’ calendars, anytime the Australian and New Zealand Men’s Open sides clash, it is more than likely to be an instant classic. Meeting for the first time since their epic Touch World Cup Gold Medal match, the Kiwis will be out for revenge. Despite the three-point margin, last year’s match was one of the closest games of the tournament, with the Touch Blacks never out of the contest until very late in the second half. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of this weekend's Open Trans-Tasman Series for the Men’s Open.
The Numbers That Matter
4 – Hot starters. In four of the last five meetings, New Zealand have scored first. Look to the Kiwis to come out firing, especially on home soil.
24 – Currently sitting on twenty-four caps, Dylan Hennessey is set to become the most capped player in Australian Open Trans-Tasman Series history when he dons the green and gold in Christchurch this weekend. Currently sitting on twenty-four alongside head coach Phil Gyemore, the Central Coast junior will potentially rise to twenty-seven caps by the end of the series, just three short of the all-time record set by Tony Trad (thirty) as a coach.
1,040 – There are a combined 1,040 games of international Touch experience on display this Open Trans-Tasman Series. The New Zealand Touch Blacks narrowly hold the edge with 525 games experience between their players and coaching staff, whilst the Aussies have 515. From modern legends of the game to some of the greatest minds on the coaching staff, this series is starred with some of the sport’s biggest icons.
Past Five Results
- Australia (9) defeated New Zealand (6) – 2024 FIT World Cup Gold Medal Match, Nottingham, England
- New Zealand (8) defeated Australia (7) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series Game 3, Brisbane, Australia
- Australia (7) defeated New Zealand (6) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series, Game 2 Brisbane, Australia*
- Australia (7) defeated New Zealand (3) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series, Game 1 Brisbane, Australia
- Australia (4) defeated New Zealand (3) – 2019 FIT World Cup Gold Medal Match, Putrajaya, Malaysia
*Drop-Off
Fixtures
- April 25th: Game 1 – 4:30pm // 2:15pm AEST
- April 26th: Game 2 – 4:20pm // 4:20pm AEST
- April 27th: Game 3 – 11:20am // 09:20am AEST
All games will be broadcasted live on the Touch New Zealand YouTube Channel.
Athelite Australian Emus
Under the guidance of Phil Gyemore, the Athelite Australian Emus have adopted a high-octane yet highly structured style of play. A relentless, physical approach, the Aussies aren’t looking to win this game in the first set and are willing to wear down their opposition over 40 minutes. Team veterans like Dylan Hennessey and Pete Norman are instrumental in setting the tempo in attack, while the flair and creativity of stars such as Harry Griffin and Jack Edwards add an unpredictable edge through moments of individual brilliance.
Following last year’s World Cup triumph, the squad welcomes several new additions – most notably the Mixed Open quartet of Kai Simbolon, Christopher Lennon, Daniel Langbridge, and James Hegedus. Each made a significant impact for Australia in Nottingham and now make the transition to the Men’s Open team.
Bailey Assay, the team’s sole Opens debutant, brings a wealth of experience from his time with Rockhampton and the Central Queensland Bulls at domestic level. His composure and skillset ensure he won’t be daunted by the challenge posed by the Kiwis. With some of the sport’s greatest players and a new wave of rising talent, the Australian Men’s Open side is set to once again thrill Touch Football fans around the globe.
New Zealand Touch Blacks
Despite falling short in recent outings, the Touch Blacks will be confident in getting a result on home soil this series, with the side having made major improvements in their all-round game since the last Opens Trans-Tasman in Brisbane. There are three debutants for the New Zealanders this series, with Francis Morrison, Harry Kirk, and Toby Snelgrove all eager to don the iconic black jersey for the first time at Opens level.
The Kiwis were on top at times throughout the last series and will be looking to better capitalise on those opportunities should they appear again. They will draw confidence from their Gold Medal match at last year’s Touch World Cup, with the Touch Blacks having an answer to the Aussies attack for much of the contest. With a lot of strike power in attack, they’ll be incredibly difficult to stop close to the line. Rahul Das has the side firing, with the current set up possessing a healthy blend of experience and youth. Look to the battle in midfield between the two sides to be key in deciding this series.
Athelite Australian Emus to Watch
Daniel Langbridge
After standing out for the Athelite Australian Emus at Mixed Open level in recent years, Daniel Langbridge will compete for the Men’s Open side in New Zealand. In 2023, the Novocastrian earned the coaches' award honours for the Aussies, delivering a string of magical highlights and crucial plays that proved pivotal in securing the series win. He continued this form in the green and gold one year later when the sides met again in the Gold Medal match. Finishing off 2024, Daniel earned Player of the Final honours at NSW State Cup, scoring with the last play of the game to secure the Doyalson Dragons the title. Composed come the big moments, the Hunter Hornets representative has shown the playmaking ability and split-second decision making to thrive on the international stage. Combine that with his agility and swift footwork, and Daniel Langbridge is poised to be one of the top attacking threats this tournament.
Hayden Moffat
One of the top stars in the Sunshine State, Hayden comes into Christchurch off the back off a strong 2024 season, seeing him earn player of the year honours at the Queensland Touch Awards. His agile footwork and long reach are a deadly combination from 7-metres out, making him one of the most dangerous players on attack for the Emus. Whether he’s stepping in-between defenders or throwing a quick dummy, the Redlands Mudcrabs junior is dangerous from close range. Contributing thirteen tries himself (including once in the final), the Queenslander was electric in Nottingham and will look to build upon his 2024 form in Christchurch. With one of the most complete attacking games of the current Men’s Open contingent, Hayden will be crucial to Australia’s hopes bringing the Trans-Tasman trophy back home.
Rivals to Watch
Ifor Jones
The past twelve months have seen some from across the ditch label Ifor Jones as the best player on the planet. Despite falling short in last year’s Gold Medal match, the Kiwi left a lasting impression on many who tuned in, earning player of the final honours. His dazzling footwork amazed the crowds of Nottingham and fans watching from home, with the Waikato representative scoring four times against the Aussies. In 2025, the Touch Black representative was a standout in his Touch Football All Stars debut, earning player of the match honours alongside Marama Thomas for the Māori All Stars. Producing more spectacular highlights and incredibly playmaking, Ifor was a constant handful for the Indigenous side, as he helped guide the Māori All Stars to their first All Stars win since 2020. What sometimes goes underrated due to his abundance of viral clips, is his composure and reliability on defence, with the New Zealander’s ability to read plays and cover space often underappreciated. Should the Touch Blacks claim the Men’s Open Trans-Tasman Series title, Ifor Jones will be crucial to their chances.
Fin Barnett
One of the best wingers in international Touch, Fin Barnett is one of the most exciting attackers in the game today. Elusive on his feet, the athletic Kiwi is lighting quick and carried with him an abundance of pace. Closer to the line he is an incredible finisher, evident by his athletic dives and acrobatics. One of the top try scorers at last year’s World Cup, the Waikato representative scored 28 tries across 12 games, including once in the final. With more games under his belt at international level, the connections with the likes of Ifor Jones and Tre Pohipi have only grown stronger. Whether he’s sprinting down the line in open space or finishing off a passage of play from close range, expect Fin Barnett to cause a handful anytime he has the ball in his hands. Should the Aussies give him half a chance, it could be trouble.
Closing Thoughts
Heading into Christchurch, the two sides are as stacked as they have ever been. With home court advantage in an Open Trans-Tasman Series for the first time in seven years, the Touch Blacks will be confident in their chances. That being said, the Aussies will be just as confident in their abilities with an abundance of talent at their disposal. As Australia heads into enemy territory, we're almost guaranteed to witness one of the closest Open Trans-Tasman Series in history.
*All Stats Courtesy of the Touch Almanac
