"Touch Blacks development on track for World Cup 2011 in Scotland"
When asked for an overview of the Trans Tasman Test Series tournament, Joe Sprangers Touch NZ CEO said "New Zealand came to the tournament to win but for the Touch Blacks the build up started only last Tuesday. New Zealand had no real preparation, no training camps to prepare for the tournament, unlike Australia who had months of preparation and 2 training camps and so New Zealand started on the back foot."
The first day was difficult for the Kiwi players as they adjusted to playing under lights and away from home against an opposition that they didn't know much about and who are the current world champions. The Kiwi's improved with each game and got progressively better not only throughout the first day but the entire tournament, this showed when New Zealand's Open Men victoriously beat Australia in their second game on Saturday which ended 9 - 8 to New Zealand. The Men's final game started slowly with the kiwis struggling at 0-3 to Australia. New Zealand however fought back to 3 - 2 with just 9 minutes to go but the final score ended at 5 - 2 to Australia.
The New Zealand Open Mixed, a young team of players, consistently stood up and showed what they are made of throughout the tournament. The young Open Mixed New Zealand team ended their second game 2 points down and their third match just 1 point down showing fantastic potential for the world cup in Scotland in 2011.
The New Zealand Open Women's team struggled initially with unity and working together, but again showed progression throughout their matches.
Joe Sprangers Touch NZ CEO quoted "During the NZ Open Women's final game the Touch Black players pushed back and proved themselves by making it 4 all during the match, they then 'appeared' to have scored a touchdown that would have put them in the lead, but it was not awarded. The scoring continued and the game ended with 2 quick points by Australia leaving the NZ'ers 2 points down."
So what did the tournament mean for New Zealand?
Joe Sprangers Touch NZ CEO quoted "For New Zealand, the Trans Tasman Touch Test Series has been all about preparation for the World Cup in Scotland in 2011. The tournament has been a fantastic learning and developing experience for our players, coaches and managers. With this in mind New Zealand's goals are now to win to the next Trans Tasman which will be hosted in New Zealand in Feb 2010 and ultimately to go on to win the World Cup in Scotland in 2011."
Last Modified on 23/01/2010 13:47