Diamonds dismiss pressure talk ahead of Constellation Cup

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Australia's netball team will defend the Constellation Cup against New Zealand this weekend after a disappointing Commonwealth Games campaign.

Australia's Diamonds will defend the Constellation Cup against New Zealand in a four-game series beginning on Sunday at Spark Arena in Auckland. This is their first meeting since the Commonwealth Games in August, where the Diamonds finished with bronze after a shock semi-final loss to Jamaica—Australia's worst result at the Games. New Zealand won gold at those Games, their first since 2010.

If Australia fails to defend the Constellation Cup, they risk relinquishing their long-standing world No.1 ranking. New Zealand coach Noeline Taurua suggested the spotlight was on the Diamonds entering the series, particularly with Australia set to host next year's World Cup in Sydney.

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich dismissed such talk as 'deflection'. 'Every time you step out there, when you're at the top, you've got to keep backing that up,' she said. 'For us, we've always had an expectation of the standard we want to play, so there is no difference in feeling around that.'

Marinkovich is backing defender Sarah Klau, who was sanctioned by Netball Australia in September with a $5,000 fine and a two-game suspended ban for failing to disclose a common assault charge before the Commonwealth Games.

How it is being reported

• 'Deflection': Diamonds laugh off Constellation Cup talkMoving on from the Commonwealth Games, Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich has dismissed talk from her Silver Ferns counterpart as merely a deflection.The West Australian · 17 Oct, 03:34
• 'Deflection': Diamonds laugh off Constellation Cup talkMoving on from the Commonwealth Games, Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich has dismissed talk from her Silver Ferns counterpart as merely a deflection.Perth Now · 17 Oct, 03:34

In this story: Stacey Marinkovich · Noeline Taurua · Sarah Klau · Diamonds · Silver Ferns · New Zealand · Australia · Auckland

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