The Touch Blacks Mixed and Mens teams have blizted the rainy, dim, stormy conditions today to pull off two spectacular wins and level the series against Australia.

Whilst Australia drew first blood in the Mixed, NZ were clinical and explosive resulting in a half time lead. It looked like a replica of yesterdays match until NZ pulled the lead out to 3 just after half time. Composure with intensity was the call of the day, the final result swinging the Kiwis way with a convincing win 9-6.

The mens second test was as good as it gets. Ashton Robinson set the pace with a Touchdown scored from the tap off. Dylan Hennessey responded immediately and the game therein was a seesaw of Touchdowns and unbelievable defence until the final whistle sounded. A controversial Touchdown was awarded by Cam Macdonald-Pedersen giving NZ the lead seconds before full-time. Aussie simply didn’t have time on the clock to force the drop-off and we have GAME ON Day 3 of the series. 

Congratulations goes to the Australian Open Womens team who have won the womens test series by taking game 2 today with a 8 tries to 5. Credit goes to this fast, explosive, disciplined bunch of talented ladies who kept the pressure on New Zealand throughout despite the inclement conditions. Although the Touch Blacks women narrowed the margin, they will be looking to pull one back tomorrow by capitalizing on the learnings from day 1 and 2 and lifting even further. 

The Trans Tasman Cup is anyones leading into day three. NZ must win both the mixed and the mens to take the series whilst Australia just need a win from either of the grades to retain the title.

2018 Open Trans Tasman Test 2 Results:

Open Mixed Full Time
NZ 9 - Aus 6
Touchdowns:
NZ - N. Drummond 1, D. Morgan-Puterangi 1, C. Taute 3, N. Turner 1, M. Kora 1, M. Hodson 1, M. Parsons 1.
Aus - C. Russell 1, T. Glazebrook 1, J. Cridland 1, L. Opie-Lukins 1, E. Mortimer 2.

Open Womens Full Time
NZ 5 - Aus 8
Touchdowns:
NZ - D. Turnbull 1, T. Antonievic 1, M. Moore 2, O. Williams 1.
Aus - M. Watego 2, H. Dyball 3, D. Davis 1, E. Campbell 1, S. Rodgers 1.

Open Mens Full Time
NZ 7 - Aus 6
Touchdowns:
NZ - M. Cavanagh 2, M. Graham 2, A. Robinson 1, R. Soutar-Finch 1, C. Pamatatau 1.