Big challenge ahead for Silver Ferns in home leg of Constellation Cup

Falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Silver Ferns face an uphill battle to retain the Constellation Cup, which now heads to New Zealand, after losing the second test 68-51 in Sydney on Wednesday.

The second test followed a similar patter to the 69-52 first test loss in Melbourne with the Silver Ferns producing strong first half performances before unravelling in the second half. This time the damage was done in the third quarter, the Silver Ferns trailing by just two before the Diamonds flexed their collective array of talent with a storming 15 minutes to shut the New Zealanders out of the game.

With the statistics fairly even at halftime, the Australians ability to stay in the grind, punish and push on was all too evident. That eventually led to the home side enjoying a healthy 27 more shots at goal by game’s end. The Silver Ferns had better accuracy under the hoop but simply lacked the volume to mount a serious challenge.

Both sides retained their starting sevens of the first test, the Silver Ferns looking to build on their developing midcourt pairing of Mila Reuele-Buchanan (wing attack) and Maddy Gordon (centre) and the continued exposure of rookie shooter Martina Salmon. For the Diamonds, it was a case of reinforcing their credentials with their strongest line-up in pushing for a home sweep of the four-match series.

In paying tribute to the recent tragic passing of former Fiji coach, Unaisi Rokoura, who Silver Ferns interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie worked alongside as her assistant at the 2023 Netball World Cup, both teams wore black arm bands as a mark of respect.

Showing more punch and success with their second phase play, the Silver Ferns started in promising fashion before the seamless attacking play and equally staunch efforts on defence helped the Diamonds grab the initiative.

With their easy through-court passage and intuitive interaction between shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin, whose positioning and accuracy left the Silver Ferns defenders struggling to make any real impact, the Australians took control.

At the other end, Silver Ferns strike weapon Grace Nweke was double-marked and unable to get quality ball under the hoop, a late surge from the home side compounding their issues when the Diamonds went into the first break with a 19-13 lead.

There was an instant response from the Silver Ferns with Georgia Hefferan, joining her twin sister Kate on court, when injected at goal attack. Georgia Heffernan’s mobility in and around the circle provided the impetus for Gordon and Reuelu-Buchanan to provide quick release long bombs into Nweke while helping the Silver Ferns gather momentum.

Ragged at times, but certainly dogged as well, the visitors lifted defensively with Karin Burger and Kelly Jackson pouching rare, but priceless turnover opportunities. Under heavy attention, Nweke and Georgia Heffernan kept the scoreboard ticking over while forcing the Australians into uncharacteristic errors. Down by six at one stage, the Silver Ferns stayed in the race when coming back strongly to win the quarter and narrow the deficit to a 30-28 Australian advantage at the main break.

Stung into producing a forceful reply and showing their depth of talent, Australia injected goal attack Georgie Horjus, whose speed and interplay in the circle lifted the Diamonds to a new level while leaving the Silver Ferns struggling to contain the onslaught.

Putting their foot down, Australia were relentless and ruthless, Liz Watson remaining the cornerstone of their midcourt in her 50 th test as captain while the defensive efforts of Sunday Aryang and Courtney Bruce played havoc in the Silver Ferns shooting circle.

With Nweke under continuous physical pressure, it remained a constant battle for the New Zealanders who were kept to just nine goals for the quarter as Australia posted 21 and with it marched into a 51-37 lead at the last turn.

The third test will be played in Hamilton on Sunday (4.10pm, NZ time).