It was literally cold comfort for the Touch Blacks teams as they played in torrential conditions, or they didn’t play at all. Despite resilient grounds at the Rotorua International Stadium, conditions forced the cancellation of the Open Womens third test of the series and ankle deep puddles for the Mixed with slightly improved conditions for the Mens decider. Although the weather was bleak, the mutual respect between the four teams gunning for Gold and ultimately the series, brought excitement and anticipation into Day 3 that was reflected in the 100,000+ livestream and youtube views, not to mention the die-hard touchies who braved the weather in person.  

The Mixed game was a nail biter for three quarters of the match, Australia only pulling away in the final 5 minutes of the second half to take the 3 point lead. With the score levelled to 3-3 leading into half-time by Mystery Kora off a shortside scoop by #7 Morgan-Puterangi, the kiwi stalwarts in the stands were optimistic leading into the final 20 minutes. NZ struck first, after 7 minutes in the half and Australia responded with the 4 unanswered touchdowns to seal the match and series with the 7-4 win. Full credit goes to the visitors who lifted after yesterdays convincing win to the Kiwis, although nothing is to be taken from the skill, flair, dedication and obvious team unity of this Touch Blacks Mixed team headed by Wiremu Takerei and Tina Ashworth. You have done yourselves and your country proud.  

Conditions improved slightly for the Mens game, albeit no sunshine, but the players were able to see the ball. This game was nothing short of thrilling with try for try, Australia up by one at half time to hold a 4-3 lead. Sean Law capitalised a left to right from Matty Sinclair, after a lucky tip from an Aussie hand shortly after the 4^th minute in the 2^nd half, levelling the scores to 4-4. The score remained unchanged for the remainder of the match, forcing a drop-off. Robinson tapped off for NZ, however, defence held for this set and the next two. Australia almost sedately rucked the ball to the 7m, creating a perfect attacking position in the middle of the field.  A simple quickie play and stepback by Hennessey forced the save, with a  clean pop off for a touchdown by Scott Bundy securing the game and title to Australia.

The Touch over the past three days has been outstanding and the series loss to New Zealand was no reflection on the exemplary discipline, mutual respect, immense skill and pride displayed by all players, both Australia and New Zealand alike. Whilst past statistics lean heavily in Australia’s favour, it is apparent that predictions for the upcoming World Cup could swing either way should the green & gold find themselves in a final against the black.

2018 Open Trans Tasman Test 3 Results:

Open Mixed Full Time
NZ 4 - Aus 7
Touchdowns:
NZ - S. Tomuri 1, N. Turner 2, M. Kora 1.
Aus - Z. Nicholas 1, K. Stevens 1, J. Cridland 2, D. Thompson 1, L. Hoch 1, L. Percy 1.

Open Womens - CANCELLED

Open Mens Full Time
NZ 4 - Aus 5
Touchdowns:
NZ - M. Stone 1, S. Law 1, J. Rhind-Rogers 1, R. Willison 1.
Aus - S. Franics 1, D. Hennessey 1, S. Bundy 1, R. Nakhla 1, J. Marshall-King 1.