TRANS TASMAN TOUCH SERIES – 2 – 1 to Aus
The first day of the 2nd Trans Tasman Test Series didn’t fail to excite the 1000 strong crowd at The Trusts Stadium in Waitakere.
Like any tournament the first day nerves were apparent with both sides on occasions, but once they settled down we witnessed some amazing Touch.
Mixed – Aus 8 – NZ 6
NZ got off to a very shaky start and were quickly silenced in the first 90 seconds when Australia scored twice. Debutant Grant Robinson slowed down the progress with a great touchdown in the corner aided by Peter Vis. The rest of the half took the crowd and Touch Blacks by surprise as they went to the half time break – Aus 6 – NZ 2. Mixed is traditionally the strong grade for NZ.
In the second half the Kiwi’s showed their guts and determination by staging a comeback. With just 6 mins to go the score was 7 – 5 to Aus. Within minutes 7 – 6 to Aus and finally the Australian’s broke through our defence to end the game Aus 8 – NZ 6. If NZ play tomorrow like they did in the second half today we will see a reversal in this outcome tomorrow.
Women – Aus 4 – NZ 1
Both teams tonight will be frustrated and a bit disappointed overall with their efforts out there today and will be working hard tonight and tomorrow to rectify parts of their game. Australia dominated in the first half to lead 3 – 1 with some impressive trys – one being an intercept on the NZ line and making a 70m dash.
The Touch Blacks settled in the second half and had several chances to score. They had 3 consecutive sets of 6 on their line but just couldn’t break through the Australian defence. Debutants Janelle Cavanagh & Kahurangi Watene really got into the game and handled the pressure well. Both the youngest in the team.
For Australia, they struggled in the second half to complete their sets of 6 and gave the kiwis easy turnover ball.
Tomorrow we will see a different game from both teams as they review and re-plan overnight.
Men – NZ 6 – Aus 3
Clearly the highlight of the night for the Kiwi camp. The NZ men always looked in control of this game, which was played at pace for the full 40 mins, but of course Aus will never give up and got close on one occasion to give the boys a scare at 4. – 3.
This would have been the most physical of the 3 games today with passion and determination to win the ball driving both teams at all times. The long ball passes were used a lot and really meant defence had to be on their toes at all times.
Australia will go back and do their homework tonight and tomorrow will definitely be another day. This game had the crowd on their feet.
Overall an exciting and enjoyable first day of the series, which is still very much alive for both sides. We’re expecting big crowds tomorrow and Sunday to cheer the teams on.
For full game reviews and photos from the day please visit our tournament website by clicking here or access through the homepage at www.touchnz.co.nz
Please contact Julie Monaghan if you’d like to attend and she can arrange media passes through the gate. Ph 021 633 537
Last Modified on 22/01/2010 20:21