New Zealand claimed a 62-50 victory over Australia in Christchurch on Wednesday, extending their lead in the four-game Constellation Cup series to 2-0 after surviving a late third-quarter comeback from the visiting Diamonds.
Silver Ferns Take 2-0 Lead over Australia
The Silver Ferns secured a commanding 62-50 win over Australia in the second Test in Christchurch on Wednesday, taking a 2-0 lead in the four-game Constellation Cup series. The result continues a five-year losing run across the ditch for the Diamonds, leaving the visitors needing victories in the remaining fixtures to hang on to the trophy they reclaimed the previous year.
After dropping the opening fixture 56-50 in Auckland, Australia made a better start in the second encounter. However, the home side once again let the lead blow out to double digits by the third quarter. The visitors mounted a strong response, tightening their hands-over pressure on every pass and cutting the deficit to a two-goal difference just before three-quarter time. Yet the Silver Ferns steadied, responding with a strong run to start the final term and pulling away for the 12-goal win.
Toeava and Nweke Drive Home Side Victory
Specialist wing attack Peta Toeava delivered a composed and dynamic performance for the hosts, recording 29 feeds and 21 goal assists while varying the pace of the match and delivering pinpoint long-range feeds into the circle. Goal shoot Grace Nweke anchored the shooting circle by scoring 49 goals from 52 attempts before being replaced by Amelia Walmsley with 90 seconds remaining in the match.
When you stand at the back, and you see how your attacking end is just ripping it apart, it’s such an amazing feeling. Still got a little bit of work to do. Dropped a little in the middle of that game but the fact we were able to get ourselves out of it is amazing.
Karin Burger, Silver Ferns captain, via Nzherald
For Australia, traditional shooting combination Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin provided structure for the visitors, though they often required multiple readjustments before attempting shots and were pushed wide by the defensive pairing of Kelly Jackson and Karin Burger. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich cycled through changes throughout the match, particularly in the defensive end, while debutant Jessie Grenvold also earned time on court and applied pressure that forced loose balls.
#ConstellationCup #ConCup #NZvAUSTeams are in for the second test. The Diamonds have made four changes to the starting seven, and the Silver Ferns just one. Will the Comm Games champs go 2-0 up today, or can AUS finally win again in NZ? pic.twitter.com/jNOiu37DAs
Taurua Makes Personnel Changes to Combat Fatigue
Following a third-quarter wobble where tired, sloppy errors and communication breakdowns allowed the Diamonds to narrow the margin, Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua acknowledged that changes were necessary as fatigue affected the contest. Taurua brought Te Paea Selby-Rickit onto the court at goal attack for the final period, returned Toeava to wing attack, moved Maddy Gordon back to centre, and rested Kate Heffernan.
Some changes needed to be made as tired errors came into the game.
Dame Noeline Taurua, Silver Ferns coach, via ABC News
The home side started the final term with a 10-3 run, fueled by defensive gains from Jackson and disciplined circle work. Australian shooter Donnell Wallam made a long-awaited career appearance against New Zealand when she entered the match during the final quarter.
| Team | Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Quarter 3 | Quarter 4 | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 17 | 16 | 12 | 17 | 62 |
| Australia | 14 | 12 | 16 | 8 | 50 |
Midcourter Kate Moloney, goal keeper Sarah Klau, and substitute defensive options like Amy Parmenter and Matilda Garrett rounded out the Australian squad sheet alongside centre Liz Watson, whose match included a sideline turnover when she landed with a foot out of court.
Silver Ferns Could Reclaim World Number One Ranking
The four-game series now moves back across the Tasman Sea to Australia for the final two matches.
If the Silver Ferns sweep all four matches of the series, they are expected to dethrone Australia from its number one world ranking for the first time since 2013.