Diamonds centurions forced to the bench in Constellation Cup loss
A five-year hoodoo continues to hinder the Diamonds in New Zealand.
Since 2021, the team has been unable to beat their old foes across the ditch.
That unwelcome stat remains after tonight's shellacking in Auckland, where the hosts outplayed their shiny counterparts in every position on court.
The final score read 56-50 after a late challenge from Australia, but the margin was as great as 15 goals at one point, and that felt like a truer reflection of the game.
With a significant lead at half-time, Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua rung the changes, offering opportunity to her bench players and allowing the Diamonds to work their way back into the contest.
Both teams will use the series to prepare for the 2027 Netball World Cup and have to strike the balance between winning and talent rotation.
The New Zealand Silver Ferns were very happy with their performance in game one. (Getty: Fiona Goodall)
Leading into Sunday's Constellation Cup opener, the world number two ranked side was in much better shape.
Just a month ago, they stood on top of the Commonwealth Games podium in Glasgow, undefeated, to claim gold.
They'd gone through the major netball tournament without needing to face the Australians, who were on the opposite side of the draw and lost their semi-final to Jamaica, and may well have come into the series opener with some unanswered questions.
Are we as good as we think?
Would it have been a different story had we met the Diamonds in the finals?
After the way they played they should sleep well.
As their heads hit the pillow, they now know that on their day, at full strength, they are the best side right now.
Even if the official standings don't show it.
New Zealand celebrate gold in Glasgow. (Getty: Mattia Ozbot)
Their campaign at the Commonwealth Games closed the gap in the global ratings.
If they win all four Tests of the Constellation Cup, they'll dethrone the Diamonds for the first time since 2013.
"Any day to beat Australia is definitely satisfying because it doesn't come often," a pleased Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua told the media.
"When we get rhythm, when we get flow and when we create, we get the speed on and we play some beautiful netball."
A lot of that hinges on the strength of Kiwi powerhouse Grace Nweke.
Nweke was still able to take the ball despite being sandwiched by Diamonds defenders. (Getty: Hannah Peters)
The 193cm tall goal shooter is only 24 years old and with the right feed from her teammates, is extremely difficult to stop.
Tonight she shot 40 goals at 98 per cent.
Nweke was ruled out midway through the last World Cup due to a knee injury, and New Zealand struggled without her up front.
They still haven't found another player that can fill Nweke's shoes. But if she's in the team, they don't need to worry.
The speed at which the ball was delivered to her in Auckland had the Diamonds' heads spinning.
Australian coaches Stacey Marinkovich and Nicole Richardson were left scratching their heads after the loss. (Getty: Fiona Goodall)
Then there's the wingspan of defenders Kelly Jackson (192cm) and Karin Burger (184cm).
With 11 gains between them, they spooked the Australian shooters and held them tightly together in a pack, making it hard to break free and find space in the goal circle.
The Silver Ferns midcourt is also growing in confidence after Maddy Gordon and Kate Heffernan spent a season overseas playing Super Netball in Australia.
Brimming with confidence, the Kiwis worked seamlessly as a team to blow their visiting opponents out of the water.
It doesn't help that the Diamonds are dealing with a lot of head noise at the moment.
A difficult campaign in Glasgow followed a tough season of Super Netball for many players.
There have been shaky and inconsistent performances from the attackers.
Add in the hoodoo of playing in New Zealand, and it all fell apart. The miscommunication was rife and the team were in chase mode from the get go.
The Diamonds still made sure to celebrate Bruce's milestone with a guard of honour. (Getty: Hannah Peters)
There was no fairytale for Courtney Bruce, whose 100th cap was one she'll be hoping to forget.
Both she and captain Liz Watson — the two centurions in the current group — ended up being pulled off to finish the game.
"That never happens, aye," Tarurua remarked.
The one positive was the debut of 23-year-old South Australian Jessie Grenvold after a phenomenal domestic season.
Injected in the second quarter, Grenvold finished the game with more gains (three) than any other Diamond.
Still, head coach Stacey Marinkovich defended her veterans, insisting the changes that saw them head to the bench were about connections rather than individual performances.
Jessie Grenvold finished with three gains, more than any other Diamonds player in her debut. (Getty: Fiona Goodall)
"At the end of the day we were looking at different combinations and what could other people do," Marinkovich said.
"Jessie's here for a reason and we only have four games before the World Cup so if I don't get players out there I'm not going to know what they can do against international opposition.
"We switched things around, it's not to discredit our senior players we just need to trial other things."
Marinkovich highlighted the need to improve now there were more New Zealand imports than ever before playing in the Australian competition.
"There's not doubt Super Netball has shown them what to do in pressured moments on a regular basis ... That is the reality of it now."
"I don't know if we were a bit tense coming in but that's the thing coming to New Zealand off the loss of the Commonwealth Games.
"We need to process that and work our way through what that experience was and how do we get our connection out on court."
A game review will likely find that 15 substitutions in the middle quarters was too many for the losing team.
Although substitutions were definitely needed, whether the right ones were made at the right moments is the finesse that was probably lacking in the game plan. As was the fortitude to beat at team at the peak of their powers.
The Diamonds were missing Kate Moloney in the centre position and are hoping the vice captain will be available for the second Test after suffering a finger laceration at training.
The next game takes place on Wednesday night in Christchurch.
Relive all the action from the Constellation Cup in the blog below.
Filter Posts
All
53
Key Events
15
We'll leave it there
Okay, we're going to wrap the blog for now. Thank you for tuning in! More analysis on Game 1 will be added above once we collect our thoughts.
We'll be back to blog the second Test in Christchurch on Wednesday night so be sure to check that out for your mid-week fix of netty! Catch you then.
Bruce reflects on her 100th Test
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
It's not the result she wanted, especially finishing on the bench, but Aussie goal keeper Courtney Bruce reflected on reaching the milestone with Sky Sport. It is a huge deal, as only seven players have done it before throughout history.
"It's such a credit to the person I am and the little girl that dreamed of playing for the Diamonds. To do it one time is the best so getting to do it 100 times is absolutely incredible."
Sharing the occasion with debutant Jessie Grenvold was fun.
"Jessie is great, she's really confident, she's such an exciting young talent. I think she's going to do incredible things. It's funny, we had Selina Gilsenan in the other night and she said when she played her first Test, Liz was playing her 100th so Jessie has been calling me her Liz Ellis. Excited to see her out there."
Petition for JLP to start in centre
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Watson is better in WA but hard to take Horjus out when she is playing so well.
- Tess
Agreed. To be fair, Watson was playing out of position to start the game and maybe that's on the coaching staff. Price has been the best centre in Super Netball for a few years and if Moloney isn't available then it seems silly to look beyond her for that position.
Is Australia going backwards?
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Your an expert Britney , Do you think Australia have gone backwards , as in the commonwealth games , do you think nz and Jamaica have finally bridge the gap and do you think having too many imports have effected local Aus players
- Kiwi magic
I think all of those things are true but it shouldn't be an excuse for the Diamonds. They also get to play against the imports week in, week out. As much as the Australian team was spooked in attack I also think this result is a symptom of poor tactics and decision making with the players they have.
Key Event
FT stats
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
By the end of the game the Diamonds were catching the umpire's eye a lot more than New Zealand. The Aussies finished with 61 total penalies and again, part of that was down to them being in chase mode the entire 60 minutes. But it was also poor discipline in defence. Getting three feet before you put your hand up is an easy fix they can work on for the next game. Considering how many mistakes the Diamonds made in attack their general play turnover stat wasn't too different suprisingly to the winning side. They just need to make their own centre pass count.
And you can see that rings true here with their centre pass to goal rate only at 68 per cent. At least they scored off their gains but the coaches and defenders will really have to put their heads together and come up with some better ideas to shut down Nweke and win ball back. A 12-6 gain stat in favour of the Kiwis shows how dominant they were defensively and how powerless the Aussies were in comparison. In the shooting department, the Diamonds did recover once Sophie Garbin made her way on. She scored 20 of her 21 attempts across 30 minutes and helped improve the team's overall accuracy to 82 per cent by the end of the match. This was her 50th Test match and she started on the bench. Maybe she's won Marinkovich over enough to start Game 2?
Key Event
FT: NZ win 56-50
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
A penalty shot for the Silver Ferns sees them out by six goals at the final whistle. That's their 11th consecutive victory against the Diamonds on home soil.
The Diamonds will be proud of the way they fought back to win the fourth quarter 17-11. Especially with goal aggregate back to determine the winner of this series. That could make all the difference at the end of game four in who lifts the trophy.
But make no mistake, this was an absolute spanking for much of the match. The Australian coaching staff will really need to go back to the drawing board. Whether Kate Moloney is back and fit to play might help the decision making. But if she isn't they'll have to ask some serious questions about captain Watson. Has she done enough to hold onto her starting spot? Probably not based on this game alone. Price deserves to start at centre in our opinion. The Kiwis were so unbelievably fit and fast and Australia needs midcourters that can match that pace.
There also seems to be a reluctance from the Diamonds staff to shift Horjus into goal attack. During the Super Netball season what makes her so lethal as a WA / GA swing is when she has the opportunity to push into the circle in the back half of games. Maybe Marinkovich worrie about her height against the long-limbed Silver Ferns defenders? But she manages to hold her own just fine in the domestic competition. At 172cm tall she is 12cm shorter than captain Burger and 20cm shorter than Jackson. It is an option they haven't properly explored yet and Horjus is a game winner.
Lastly, Donnell Wallam hasn't had a proper run for the Diamonds in years. She has the X-factor and brings something different than Garbin and Koenen. Could her extra height (193cm) and unpredictability be the difference Australia needs?
Grenvold intercept
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
A bold move from the debutant. At goal keeper, Grenvold comes out for a screamer and her Diamonds teammates edge another back with a little over two minutes left.
SCORE: New Zealand leads 53-48
Stythe rolls on
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Again, Taurua rings the changes, giving upcoming defender Carys Stythe an opportunity at GK. Every player but Parris Mason has now made it on from their team.
Poi returns
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Kimiora Poi is back on in WA as Gordon takes a rest. It makes sense to bring some fresh legs on now in the closing minutes given the speed of this game.
Three in a row for the Diamonds
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
A mistake by Burger hands an opportunity to Australia and they're careful not to waste it at the midway point of the quarter. But they're going to run out of time to claw this game back and we doubt whether they've got the puff to do it anyway.
SCORE: New Zealand leads 48-41
Walmsley enters the game
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
The margin is teetering between nine and 10 goals but NZ coach Taurua trusts her team and has a bigger picture in mind. She sends on young shooter Amelia Walmsley for the first time tonight. Giving her valuable minutes at GA. They are trying to build a new combination between Walmsley and Nweke. Who usually occupy the same position at GS.
Burger intercept
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Burger intercepts a ball meant for Horjus, incredible athleticism, tracking backwards.
Heffernan squeezed
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Price and Parmenter squeeze Kate Heffernan as she tries to recieve the ball on cricle edge and she falls into the goal circle. Landing on her side. Instead of a contact call it's an offside call against the Kiwi. Australia take the gift and run with it. Adding a goal to their tally.
SCORE: New Zealand lead 46-36
Aussies completely outplayed
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
What is happen to the diamond s, They are getting punk by the kiwis , I had nz to win but this score is nuts
- Kiwi magic
Isn't it crazy! Seems like there's a lot of head noise for the Diamonds but we also know they haven't won in NZ since 2021 and in Auckland apparently since 2019. There's a serious hoodoo going on and good on New Zealand for showing up the way they have today. Backing up their gold medal in Glasgow.
Key Event
3/4T: NZ lead 45-33
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Although that was the closest quarter yet, with the Kiwis winning the third quarter 13-11. The game is feeling very out of reach for Australia. Having trialled every single player possible on court, there hasn't been an obvious answer. Although the Diamonds were able to get on a little run to start the period it wasn't long before the relentless pressure of the New Zealand defence started to once again pick off ball. Whether the changes Marinkovich has made have been the right ones in each specific moment is something we'll take a look at the end of the game. Their tactics have not been up to scratch. Watch this final quarter if you dare, Diamonds fans!
Austin gain
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
On the transverse line, Austin has a crack at a ball that was meant to reset the New Zealand attack. She sticks her hand out and deflects the ball into the clutches of Price. The Aussies convert the opportunity and edge another back with their next centre pass.
SCORE: New Zealand lead 44-33
Klau is on
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Sarah Klau's inclusion in this match has divided netball fans but nonetheless she is on at GD with roughly five minutes left to go before the final break. Every single player for the Diamonds has now had a run on court.
Offensive contact Garbin
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Things are just going from bad to worse for the Diamonds. They are scrambling. There are errors happening right across the court. It is not coherent netball. Garbin tries to push free and find some space off the body of Jackson but it's spotted by the umpire.
SCORE: New Zealand lead 42-27
NZ score seven in a row
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
We spoke to soon ... New Zealand reassert themselves in the contest. Australia responds by re-injecting Austin in the game at GA to shoot alongside her Vixens teammate Garbin. Dwyer heads to the bench right before the halfway point of the quarter.
SCORE: New Zealand lead 39-25
Three in a row for Australia
By Brittany Carter
By Brittany Carter
Can we mount a comeback? More changes have happened in the break to Australia's line-up. Sophie Garbin gets her first minutes at goal shooter, while Price finally does move into centre sending the Aussie captain to the bench. They're making a difference already as the Diamonds score three goals in a row to begin the third quarter.
Meanwhile, NZ have also tinkered with their team. They're trialling some new options while they have such a big hold on the game. Kate Heffernan rolls into centre, where we've seen her dominate throughout the Super Netball season for the Adelaide Thunderbirds. Reuelu-Buchanan is now in WD. Selby-Rickit plays her first match for the Silver Ferns in years as she dons the GA bib.
KioskNews shows a cleaned-up reading view extracted from the publisher’s page — the original always lives on their site, not ours.