Aussies’ 1328-Day Streak Against New Zealand Ends as Silver Ferns Achieve Landmark Win

The Silver Ferns are casting shadows over Australia’s ambitions for major title success after securing a resounding 14-goal victory in the opening match of the Constellation Cup.

While Australia currently holds all significant international titles, they have not claimed a victory on New Zealand soil in 1,328 days.

The Diamonds have experienced only two losses in the history of the Constellation Cup, with their most recent defeat marking the poorest outcome for the team in the last decade.

After falling behind by just one at the end of the first quarter, Australia quickly lost their rhythm, prompting coach Stacey Marinkovich to implement 11 changes prior to the final quarter.

Former Diamond Nat Medhurst assessed the Australians’ display as indicative of a “disconnect” and “panic” in their attacking strategy as the Kiwis expanded their lead from seven points to ten.

“Someone in that frontline for the Diamonds really needs to step up and provide some leadership to stabilise the attack,” she noted during her commentary on Fox Netball.

New Zealand took full advantage of Australia’s mistakes, with Grace Nweke’s exceptional accuracy proving a significant hurdle for the Australians.

Nweke excelled as the top scorer of the match, netting 50 goals from 53 attempts, while Cara Koenen was the leading scorer for Australia, contributing 20 goals.

Following the game, Australian captain Liz Watson conveyed her disheartenment.

“They certainly played exceptionally well while we fell short,” she remarked to Fox Netball.

“There’s plenty to take away from that game, and we hope to deliver a better performance next time.

“In attack, we need to assert ourselves more and not succumb to physicality so easily.”

Australia has three more opportunities to clinch the Constellation Cup title, with the 2024 series set to implement a series decider timer.

In previous editions, if matches ended in a tie during the final showdown, titles were awarded based on points differential.

The new decider timer means that if the final match ends level, scores will reset to zero, and play will continue for an additional 14 minutes.

The next encounter in the Test series is scheduled for Wednesday in Auckland, followed by matches in Perth and Melbourne where the Diamonds will face off against the Ferns.