New Zealand Silver Ferns stun Australia in Constellation Cup opener

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 10:02 · Archive

New Zealand defeated Australia 56-50 in the opening match of the Constellation Cup netball series on Sunday.

New Zealand's Silver Ferns defeated Australia's Diamonds 56-50 in the opening match of the Constellation Cup at Spark Arena in Auckland on Sunday, signalling their intent to challenge for netball's top world ranking.

New Zealand dominated from the start, charging to a 15-10 lead at quarter-time. Grace Nweke was the standout performer, scoring 40 goals from 41 attempts. Her display spoiled a milestone moment for Diamonds goalkeeper Courtney Bruce, playing her 100th game. New Zealand captain Karin Burger and goalkeeper Kelly Jackson controlled the defensive end against Australia's attacking players Kiera Austin, Sophie Garbin, Cara Koenen and Sophie Dwyer.

Australia played without key players Jo Weston and Kate Moloney. The Diamonds are ranked world No.1, but arrive in the series having suffered a shock semi-final loss to Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where they won bronze—their worst Games result since netball joined the program in 1998. Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich brought debutant goalkeeper Jessie Grenvold into the game early and recalled Sophie Dwyer to attack after she had been left unused in the bronze medal match.

If New Zealand sweeps all four matches in the trans-Tasman series, they will dethrone Australia for the world No.1 ranking for the first time since 2013, ahead of next year's World Cup.

How it is being reported

• Brave new netball world as Silver Ferns stun DiamondsThe Silver Ferns have overwhelmed the Diamonds for the perfect start to the Constellation Cup as New Zealand look to become netball's new No.1 team.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 09:27
• Brave new netball world as Silver Ferns stun DiamondsThe Silver Ferns have overwhelmed the Diamonds for the perfect start to the Constellation Cup as New Zealand look to become netball's new No.1 team.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 09:27

In this story: New Zealand Silver Ferns · Australia Diamonds · Grace Nweke · Karin Burger · Courtney Bruce · Stacey Marinkovich · Auckland

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