Writers: Ian Harkin, Katrina Nissen
Cover Photo: Aliesha Vicars
Check out our in depth history of trans-Tasman netball. Diamonds and Silver Ferns – Netball’s Greatest Rivals
The Silver Ferns wrap up the Constellation Cup in 2024. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
SCHEDULE
Test 1: Fri, Oct 17, 7:30pm AEDT (Melbourne)
Test 2: Wed, Oct 22, 7:30pm AEDT (Sydney)
Test 3: Sun, Oct 26, 4:10pm NZDT (Hamilton)
Test 4: Wed, Oct 29, 7:40pm NZDT (Christchurch)
HOW TO WATCH
Fox/Kayo or Binge in Australia
Sky Sports in New Zealand
NetballPass throughout the rest of the world.
UMPIRES
Louise Travis
Alison Harrison
Gary Burgess
OVERVIEW
There is so much conjecture heading into this year’s Constellation Cup series, some of it not related to what’s happening on court. Undoubtedly the drama surrounding the standing down of Dame Noeline Taurua will be somewhat of a distraction for the Silver Ferns.
There isn’t the same distraction in Australia, but instead the Diamonds will just have the pressure of trying to reverse last year’s result where they were soundly beaten 3-1 by New Zealand.
Both teams have played lead up series against the South African Proteas, and achieved 3-0 results, but with very different ways of getting there. In the Taini Jamison Trophy series, the Silver Ferns began with a dominant win, but the Proteas narrowed the margin in the second test, and came agonisingly close to a win in the third test.
Australia’s experience was vastly different; starting the series with a hard fought win in the first match then running out easy winners in the second and third tests while also managing to give debuts to four players in the process.
The Australian Diamonds celebrate a South Africa series clean sweep. Image: Hannah Howard | On the Ball Media
HEAD TO HEAD
The overall head to head between these two countries favours Australia on all counts. But that can be misleading as Australia hasn’t won the Constellation Cup outright since 2018, which was Noeline Taurua’s first series in charge.
Australia won that series 3-1. Since that time, there have been three 2-2 results which the Diamonds won on goal difference, as well as two 3-1 series wins for New Zealand. A lot of that comes on the back of an increasing difficulty that Australia has in winning on New Zealand soil.
The only blemish on Stacey’s Marinkovich’s stellar Diamonds’ coaching record is the less than impressive results on New Zealand soil. In her ten starts in Aotearoa, she has only claimed victory once – in 2021.
In fairness, the Silver Ferns have also found it incredibly tough to win in Australia in the recent past, but they emphatically turned that record on its head last year with a dominant victory in Perth to claim the trophy.
AUS v NZ Head-to-head
All Matches: 172 (AUS 106, NZ 64, Drawn 2)
Matches in AUS: 73 (AUS 48, NZ 24, Drawn 1)
Matches in NZ: 72 (AUS 39, NZ 32, Drawn 1)
Constellation Cup: 56 (AUS 34, NZ 22)
The successful Diamonds team from 2023, taking the title on goal difference with both teams winning two games a piece. Image: Graeme Laughton-Mutu
TEAMS
Kiera Austin is a key member of the Diamonds squad. Image: May Bailey | Netball Scoop
The Diamonds’ impressive 3-0 South Africa series was a good start to their international season. All squad members got game time, they experimented with lineups and solidified some combinations. There are three changes to the squad from that series, one in each third of the court.
In the shooting end, Sophie Dwyer comes back into the squad for Lucy Austin who made her debut in the third test against South Africa. Dwyer adds depth to the goal attack role, and her nerveless shooting could be valuable. She will be supporting Kiera Austin who is almost certainly the first in line for that position. Austin is a vital member of the Diamonds team. When at her best, she is dynamic and lifts any team she plays for.
The successful Vixens combination of Austin and Sophie Garbin is likely to be the go-to choice for Australia, but there are several options. Cara Koenen seems to be suffering from a lack of confidence right now, but she is a proven performer at this level, and her style of play is often able to break down opposition defences when others can’t.
Georgie Horjus played goal attack against South Africa and was a standout, providing a spark whenever she was on court. The duo of Horjus and Garbin proved to be the most effective, and also the most exciting shooting combination used during the series. During the four quarters they were together, they shot 74/77 at 96% and Australia outscored the Proteas by 36 goals.
The Australian midcourt this year is without Paige Hadley who is missing due to pregnancy. Meanwhile, Alice Teague-Neeld who was player of the series against the Proteas, is replaced in this squad by wing defence Amy Parmenter. Despite that, there are still numerous midcourt options with a core group of experienced players.
It’s fair to say that captain Liz Watson has been down on form recently when compared to her incredibly high standards. Rested from the third test against South Africa, it’s crucial for the Diamonds that she is rejuvenated and leads from the front against New Zealand. She may also be seen more at centre in this series, to allow Horjus to take the wing attack position.
Vice-captain Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, and Parmenter cover the centre and wing defence positions. Price spent most of her time against South Africa at wing defence and did it well, but in this series, her skills may be needed in the attacking third. Moloney is another who can play both positions well, giving Australia an embarrassment of riches. The inclusion of Parmenter gives the squad a specialist wing defence, something they lacked against the Proteas.
In defence, Sunday Aryang comes into this squad for Jo Weston. Aryang’s form at goal defence during the second half of the Super Netball season was simply outstanding, and she can also cover wing defence well. The other main contender for the goal defence position is Matilda Garrett who proved to be a super sub against South Africa, coming on and instantly having an impact.
The old firm of Courtney Bruce and Sarah Klau are back in defence after solid hit outs against the Proteas. Bruce in particular, was back to something like her best, after a frustrating period affected by injuries. One of the Australian goal keepers has the unenviable task of trying to stop Grace Nweke. Will it be Bruce, Klau, or will it be Ash Ervin who has just come off an astonishing debut where she recorded eight gains in a half of netball.
This Australian team is in encouraging form and has an exciting amount of youth and talent. Fans will be hoping that this potent combination is enough to reclaim Constellation Cup. With the tenacity and passion that was shown in the South African series, they have an excellent chance of doing so.
Liz Watson will need to lead from the front for the Diamonds. Image: May Bailey | Netball Scoop
Grace Nweke was in control throughout Test 3 of 2024. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
New Zealand has named a 14-player squad for this series, once again coached by Yvette McCausland-Durie in the absence of Noeline Taurua. The only change from the Taini Jamison squad is the addition of shooter Amelia Walmsley fresh off carrying New Zealand to a silver medal at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. She replaces Filda Vui.
It will be interesting to see what role Walmsley plays in the series. Will she get a chance at goal attack? In the absence of Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Georgia Heffernan was given the first crack at the position against South Africa, but it was Martina Salmon who really shone during the series, showing composure that belied her inexperience at this level. So much so that she is likely to be the first choice to partner Grace Nweke in the circle against Australia.
Nweke is the focal point of the Silver Ferns attack. Their game is based largely around her dominance under the post, and if the feeds are placed to her advantage, there’s little an opposing goal keeper can do. She was in control last year, but after a year of playing in Super Netball, Australian defenders, particularly her Swifts teammate Sarah Klau, have now had vital practice against her.
There are two big inclusions in the midcourt this year. The dynamic Mila Reuelu-Buchanan is back from injury, while the flair of Peta Toeava also returns. This only strengthens this area of the court. Thanks to the special connection between the former Mystics teammates, Nweke is regularly on the end of Toeava’s spectacular pinpoint passes, and that will be something new for the Diamonds to contend with.
In all likelihood, Toeava and Reuelu-Buchanan will share the wing attack role, while Maddy Gordon and Kimiora Poi share the centre position. During last year’s series, Gordon showed herself to be one of the premier midcourters in the world, and she was ably supported by the underrated Poi.
Kate Heffernan can play centre, but it’s far more likely she’ll be given the job at wing defence. And why not? In 2024, she was outstanding in that position, shutting down her opponents and transitioning beautifully into attack. She had very limited impact in the recent Taini Jamison series, but a player of her ability can bounce back on the big occasion.
The agility and reflexes of captain Karin Burger, teams up with the height and anticipation of vice-captain Kelly Jackson, in a very formidable defensive duo for the Silver Ferns. They dominated last year’s series, piling enormous pressure on the Diamonds attack end. And they’ve just come from a series against the Proteas where they combined for 30 gains.
The New Zealand defensive capabilities don’t end there. Like Burger, Parris Mason is someone who can effectively fill a role at either wing defence or goal defence. Meanwhile, two other exciting defenders come in after tremendous domestic seasons. Catherine Hall made her test debut against South Africa while Carys Stythe is still waiting for her first opportunity.
Whatever lineup New Zealand puts out on court in this series, they will be tough to crack. The current messy situation surrounding the team could well galvanise the players. The talent is there, and there’s no reason that the Silver Ferns can’t claim the Constellation Cup title again.
Kate Heffernan was outstanding in the 2024 Constellation Cup. Image: Clinton Bradbury/Bradbury Photography
