New Zealand beat Australia 52-49 in game three of the Constellation Cup in Sydney, taking the trophy. The Ferns scored seven straight goals after three-quarter-time to build a five-goal lead. The Diamonds levelled at 47-47 late in the match, but turnovers and penalties cost them, and New Zealand won the final quarter 13-8. The Diamonds trail 3-0 in the four-game series and will play for pride in Melbourne on Wednesday. Coach Stacey Marinkovich's role is described as safe for now by former Diamond Bianca Chatfield.
Australia trails New Zealand 0-2 in the Constellation Cup after losses in Auckland and Christchurch, with two Tests left in Sydney and Melbourne. Injuries to Kate Moloney and Jamie-Lee Price have forced coaches to shuffle the midcourt, and Jo Weston remains unavailable. Australia has conceded 145 penalties this series, compared with 100 by New Zealand. Coach Stacey Marinkovich said the team must seek clarity from umpires on offensive contact calls. New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua said the trophy matters as much as the Commonwealth Games gold.
The Diamonds trail the four-game Constellation Cup series 2-0 after losing 62-50 to New Zealand in Christchurch. The Silver Ferns could take the world number one ranking from Australia if they win all four matches. The Diamonds shot less accurately, committed more turnovers and were penalised more often. Diamonds captain Liz Watson said the team had shot itself in the foot at key moments. The series resumes in Sydney on Sunday and Melbourne next Wednesday.
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Diamonds vice-captain Kate Moloney is on track to return from a finger injury for the Constellation Cup series against New Zealand. Coach Stacey Marinkovich said Moloney would be back in the series. Australia lost the first match 56–50 to the Silver Ferns, trailing by 15 goals at one stage. The Diamonds face the Silver Ferns again on Wednesday in Christchurch, seeking to end a five-year drought on New Zealand soil.
Australia's Diamonds narrowly lost 56-50 to New Zealand's Silver Ferns in the opening Constellation Cup netball match, held in Auckland. Despite a late rally, the visitors fell short of victory.
The Silver Ferns beat the Diamonds 56-50 in the opening Constellation Cup Test in Auckland. The Diamonds had not beaten New Zealand since 2021, and the home side led by as many as 15 goals at one point. Grace Nweke scored 40 goals at 98 per cent for the Silver Ferns. Courtney Bruce, playing her 100th cap, was among the Diamonds substituted before the end. The second Test takes place on Wednesday night in Christchurch.
