Australia are one win away from sealing the Constellation Cup – but they’ll have to overcome their four-year New Zealand hoodoo to it.
The Diamonds last tasted success across the ditch in early 2021, and on Sunday they face a rejuvenated Silver Ferns outfit buoyed by the news of coach Dame Noeline Taurua’s return.
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Despite the Taurua saga ending, it was Australia who were off to a hot start.
Up 5-1 early in the first term, it was New Zealand who then rallied to not only win the quarter – their first opening quarter win against Australia in their past five meetings, but push on in a blistering start to the second term.
The Kiwis put five straight goals on to open the quarter, with the Diamonds needing more than two minutes to get on the board.
Karin Burger was back to her best at goal defender for the Ferns, as she, Kelly Jackson and Kate Heffernan were smothering Australia’s attack.
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“That was very hard for the Australian Diamonds to read where to put the ball and where to go,” Fox Netball’s Cat Tuivaiti said.
It left Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich with no choice but to ring the changes – Sarah Klau coming on at goal defender and Sophie Dwyer at goal attack.
And the changes helped Australia slowly creep back.
Grace Nweke threw herself at everything, including taking out her team doctor when she crashed over the court signage and into her team bench.
By half time, it was still New Zealand holding that one-goal buffer.
Both sides headed into Sunday’s game three with just one change to their squad – Sophie Dwyer comes in for her first taste of international netball in 2025 with Amy Parmenter dropping out for Australia while Amelia Walmsley returns at the expense of Peta Toeava for the Ferns.
SQUADS
Australia: Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson
New Zealand: Karin Burger, Maddy Gordon, Catherine Hall, Georgia Heffernan, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason, Grace Nweke, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Martina Salmon, Amelia Walmsley
