In 2024, the Athelite Australian Emus Women’s Open side were crowned world champions, defeating archrivals New Zealand 6 – 2. The game was closer than the scoreline indicates however, with the Kiwis taking an early lead. Ultimately, the class of the Aussies prevailed but there were lessons to be learnt for the Touch Blacks. Nine months on and New Zealand are seeking redemption on home turf. Ahead of this Friday, here is everything you need to know about the Women’s Open division.
The Numbers That Matter
9.2 – In their last ten clashes with the Touch Blacks, Australia have scored an average of 9.2 tries a game. A testament to their consistency and incredible attacking ability, the Aussies’ clashes against New Zealand have produced some of their best Touch Footy, whether it’s through moments of individual brilliance or set plays executed to perfection.
13 – There is a heavy Queensland influence in this year’s Women’s Open side, with Danni Norman, Isabella Slattery, and Rachel Jeffs the only members of the team who don sky blue come State of Origin time. Expect this team to showcase a strong Queensland influence in their playstyle, with fluid combinations and seamless chemistry in their attack.
48 – With forty-eight caps for Australia, Kim Sue See is on the verge of reaching the illustrious half century mark for the Athelite Australian Emus. The Australian Women’s Open captain will join the likes of Louise Winchester, Amanda Judd, and Kerry Norman as female Athelite Australian Emus with fifty caps. Playing in all three games will also see the Sunshine Coast representative become the most-capped Women’s Open player in Trans-Tasman history (she currently sits on twenty).
Past Five Results
- Australia (6) defeated New Zealand (2) – 2024 FIT World Cup Gold Medal Match, Nottingham, England
- Australia (10) defeated New Zealand (3) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series Game 3, Brisbane, Australia
- Australia (6) defeated New Zealand (4) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series, Game 2 Brisbane, Australia
- Australia (9) defeated New Zealand (1) – 2023 Open Trans-Tasman Series, Game 1 Brisbane, Australia
- Australia (10) defeated New Zealand (2) – 2019 FIT World Cup Gold Medal Match, Putrajaya, Malaysia
Fixtures
- April 25th: Game 1 – 3:15pm // 1:15pm AEST
- April 26th: Game 2 – 3:10pm // 1:10pm AEST
- April 27th: Game 3 – 10:10am // 08:10am AEST
All games will be broadcasted live on the Touch New Zealand YouTube Channel.
The Athelite Australian Emus
For much of the 21st century, the Australian Women’s Open team have set the benchmark for Touch Football excellence. There are only a handful of changes from the 2024 side which were crowned World Champions in Nottingham, with Demi Ashurst, Caitlyn Blade, and Isabella Fildes all selected to make their Opens debut. Olivia Goodsell also comes into the side following a successful World Cup campaign in the Mixed Open division where she scored thirty-four tries, the most of any player (alongside Cristin Davidson and Tre Poihipi) in Nottingham. Catherine Sargent also returns to the Athelite Australian Emus, having last represented them in 2023.
There is a heavy Queensland influence in the side this year, which will likely dictate the style of the play the Aussies administer, with eleven players also picked to play for Queensland in State of Origin this June. With that in mind, a expect a highly attacking, free flowing style of Touch Football from the Australians with plenty of exciting highlights and tricks likely up their sleeve. One of the top sides in modern Touch Football, the Athelite Australian Emus Women’s Open contingent are looking in fine form heading into New Zealand.
The New Zealand Touch Blacks
Eight players will be debuting for the New Zealand Touch Blacks this April, with a fresh look side determined to get one up over the Aussies on home turf. The World Cup Silver Medallists were dominate in Nottingham last year, going undefeated all the way up to the final. Several of the returning New Zealand players were standout performers for the Touch Blacks, including Destiny Katene who scored twenty-five tries in twelve appearances.
Recent games have highlighted an increased intensity in games between the Trans-Tasman rivals. Despite falling short in results, the effort has absolutely been there, with several of the games being closer than the scoreline indicates. Should the Kiwis be able to put together a strong 40-minute performance, New Zealand will fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Athelite Australian Emus to Watch
Hinerangi Andreassend
Athelite Australian Emu #188, Hinerangi Andreassend is back in green and gold colours, after a successful debut campaign at last year’s FIT World Cup where the UQ Rebels representative scored nine tries. One of the top attacking threats in the game today, the Māori Touch representative is a dominant force on the field, possessing one of the strongest long balls in Women’s Touch. She is also a threat with ball in hand close to the line, with her steps from the middle of the field impossible to stop. With agile feet and an impressive long ball from dummy half at her disposal, look to Hinerangi to make an impact on attack for the Aussies this series.
Danni Norman
A highly acclaimed player, Danni Norman will be aiming to add another Trans-Tasman title to her impressive trophy cabinet this April. With forty-four caps at Opens level, the Sydney Scorpions representative has been a mainstay in the Australian Women’s side for over a decade. Heavily influential in the middle of the park, the NSW representative is one of the top playmakers in the division. Through her picture-perfect passes to the wing, short ball game, or silky footwork from dummy half, the accomplished middle is a regular handful for defenders. A leader on and off the field, the Manly Touch representative isn’t afraid of the big moments, boasting plenty of finals experience at every level of the game. From player of the final awards at The Championships to player of the series honours at the Open Trans-Tasman Series, the evidence is there. One of the most versatile players in the division, expect Danni Norman to once again step up in the big moments on the international stage.
Rivals to Watch
Sharni Vilila
Eight players will be making their New Zealand Touch Blacks debut this April, with Sharni Vilila one of the standouts. After plying her trade in the Australian youth system, the dynamic player will be representing the Kiwis at Opens level. The Gold Coast Touch representative boasts some of the best footwork in this fresh New Zealand outfit. Local Australian Touch fans will be familiar with her gameplay from past DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) events, as well as The Championships. At Opens level she has twenty tries for the South Queensland Sharks, whilst from her time at NYC she has twenty-four tries and one national title. Whether it’s beating her marker one on one, or running through with abundance of speed, the Aussie will need to be careful when Sharni is on the ball.
Destiny Katene
An elite finisher, Destiny Katene has never failed to perform in the black singlet for New Zealand. In her first ever World Cup campaign, she was one of the top stars of the division, crossing the line twenty-five times, including three times in the Quarter Finals. Not just a highlight machine, the North Harbour representative is often one of the hardest working players in the New Zealand side through her regular drives up the field. Australian fans may recognise her from this year’s Touch Football All Stars game, where she scored a try in a victorious debut. Growing as a leader of this team, Destiny is expected to have a stronger influence in the Touch Blacks’ offence compared to two years ago in Brisbane.
Closing Thoughts
Following last year’s World Cup Final, Kim Sue See said it was ‘one of the toughest games I’ve played’. With some of the world’s best players on show, expect a fast-paced, high-intensity series between the world’s two best nations in Women’s Touch Football.
*All Stats Courtesy of the Touch Almanac
