Australia Dominates Silver Ferns in Constellation Cup Showdown

The Australian Diamonds secured a decisive victory over the Silver Ferns, winning 68-51 in Sydney on March 15, 2024. This match marked the second encounter in the Constellation Cup series, giving Australia a commanding 2-0 lead as the competition moves to New Zealand.

Despite trailing by only two goals at halftime, the Silver Ferns experienced a significant downturn in the third quarter, where they fell behind by 14 points. This collapse echoed their performance in the first Test, where they lost 69-52, highlighting ongoing struggles in high-pressure moments.

Both teams maintained the same line-ups from the first Test. Throughout the match, the Diamonds demonstrated their depth by utilizing all 12 players, while the Silver Ferns struggled to find their rhythm. The Diamonds capitalized on early opportunities, forcing two held balls in the first quarter, including New Zealand’s initial goal attempt from Martina Salmon.

The Silver Ferns faced difficulties advancing the ball, and Salmon’s connections with Grace Nweke did not yield the expected results, allowing the Diamonds’ defense to assert control. By the end of the first quarter, Australia had established a 19-13 lead.

Recognizing the need for change, interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie substituted Georgia Heffernan for Salmon at goal attack. Heffernan’s introduction brought improved structure to the Silver Ferns’ offense, while wing attack Mila Reuelu-Buchanan began to connect with Nweke through long passes.

In the second quarter, New Zealand adopted a zone defense, managing to slow down the Australian attack slightly. Goalkeeper Kelly Jackson achieved an intercept, helping to force a held ball from the Diamonds. Although the Silver Ferns struggled at times, they finished the quarter strong, winning it 16-12 and narrowing the score to 30-28—mirroring the first Test scoreline at halftime.

The second half saw further adjustments, with Parris Mason stepping in at goal defense and Jackson moving to the bench shortly after. The Silver Ferns continued to apply pressure but found themselves over-relying on Nweke, who faced intensive marking from the Australian defenders.

The third quarter proved challenging, with the Diamonds dominating and outscoring the Silver Ferns 21-9, pushing the lead to 51-37. In a bid to regain momentum, McCausland-Durie made additional substitutions, including introducing Peta Toeava at wing attack. Toeava quickly began to feed the ball into Nweke, allowing the Silver Ferns to claw back some points.

As the game progressed, the Diamonds adjusted to the fresh legs of Sarah Klau at goalkeeping and Cara Koenen at goal shoot. Despite brief moments of resurgence from the Silver Ferns, the Diamonds quickly regained control.

The series now shifts to New Zealand, with the third Test scheduled for Hamilton. The Silver Ferns will aim to rebound from their recent performances as they face a daunting challenge against a confident Australian side.

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