Open Trans-Tasman Series: Day 2 Results

Sunny conditions marked a bright start to day two of the 2025 Open Trans-Tasman Series (OTTS) with the Athelite Australian Emus tying up the ledger in the Mixed Open in a stirring display to set up a decider on Sunday. In the Women’s and Men’s Open, Australia closed out both series with scintillating performances – setting up the opportunity for a series clean sweep in all divisions.

Kate Hammond was the star of the show in the Mixed Open match-up, scoring the first try to get Australia on the board before closing out the match with a hat-trick to give the Emus a 9-6 victory over the Touch Blacks. New Zealand showed sparks of brilliance throughout the match including a 35-metre cutout from George D’Urban-Burgess for Deena Ranginui-Puketapu to touch down in the corner alongside a flurry of late tries – but the Australians were too classy and were able to tie up the series leading into day three.

A professional display from the Athelite Australian Emus secured them the series in the Women’s Open, continuing their dominance in the international game. It was a shut-out in the first half with Australia taking a 3-0 lead into the break, with Tiarni Bryce starring with a double including a late slice in the Kiwi defence. Sharni Vilila continued her try-scoring feats to get New Zealand on the board, but it wasn’t enough as Australia ran out 6-1 victors and Champion in the Women’s Open in this year’s OTTS.

The Men’s Open sides put on arguably the game of the tournament with a back-and-forth shootout resulting in a final 9-8 score to Australia and granting them the series win once again. The Champion Men’s side fired with doubles to Malcolm Kenny and Hayden Moffatt in a composed performance, while the Touch Blacks were always a threat with the ball in hand with Tiwi Davies and Ifor Jones combining throughout the contest. In the closing minute of play, New Zealand had an opportunity to touch down to take the match to drop-off but were called back for a shepherd, with the Emus victorious in a tight tussle between the traditional rivals.

If you missed the action, all 2025 Open Trans-Tasman Series footage and livestreams can be accessed via the Touch New Zealand YouTube channel.

Day 2 Results

Mixed Open – Athelite Australian Emus 9 defeated Touch Blacks 6

Women’s Open – Athelite Australian Emus 6 defeated Touch Blacks 1

Men’s Open – Athelite Australian Emus 9 defeated Touch Blacks 8

Open Trans-Tasman Series Standings

Mixed Open – Athelite Australian Emus 1-1 Touch Blacks

Women’s Open – Athelite Australian Emus 2-0 Touch Blacks

Men’s Open – Athelite Australian Emus 2-0 Touch Blacks