Silver Ferns Face Must-Win Challenge Against Australia in Constellation Cup

The Silver Ferns are gearing up for a crucial showdown against Australia in the third test of the Constellation Cup on October 4, 2023, at Globox Arena in Hamilton. Having lost the first two matches by a staggering margin of 17 goals each, the Ferns find themselves in a challenging position. They must secure victory in Hamilton to keep their hopes alive for the series, followed by another win in Christchurch on October 8, 2023, to force a decider.

New Zealand’s netball team is grappling with a significant absence as they approach this must-win contest. The experienced Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who has 79 test caps, is not participating. Her absence has left a noticeable gap in the team, particularly in the goal attack position. Ekenasio played a pivotal role in last year’s Constellation Cup, contributing 55 goals from 64 attempts at an impressive 86% conversion rate.

The Silver Ferns have entered this series while dealing with both a lack of confidence and the emotional strain stemming from the ongoing coaching saga involving Dame Noeline Taurua. Interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie acknowledged the challenges the team faces without Ekenasio. “We’ve lost a player who had over 78 tests experience and a captain, so absolutely we’re looking for people to own that job,” she stated.

With Ekenasio unavailable, the responsibility of the goal attack position has fallen to Martina Salmon and Georgia Heffernan. Both players are relatively inexperienced at the international level, combining for just 12 test caps. Salmon, who debuted in September during the Taini Jamison Trophy series against South Africa, has primarily played as a goal shoot. Heffernan was recalled to the national squad after being overlooked in previous selections.

Despite the pressure, there have been signs of promise from the duo. Heffernan, who took over from Salmon during the first match, recorded 10 goals from 11 attempts and provided 11 assists for her teammate Grace Nweke. McCausland-Durie expressed optimism about their growth, stating, “Martina has not played at goal attack even at franchise level this season. This is a really big stretch for her, but we’ve been impressed with the progress and development.”

The stakes are particularly high for the Silver Ferns, as a loss in either of the upcoming matches would allow Australia to reclaim the Constellation Cup for their twelfth title in 15 years. The pressure is palpable, but with the support of their home crowd in Hamilton, the Ferns aim to turn their fortunes around and keep their championship hopes alive.