Netball writer Kayla Hodge examines how the transtasman rivals match up against each other this time.
Silver Ferns
There is a lot for the Silver Ferns to think about this series.
Grace Nweke will play her final tests in the black dress for at least the next 12 months, after signing with the Swifts in Australia’s Super Netball next season.
That decision, under Netball New Zealand’s (NNZ) criteria, makes Nweke ineligible to represent the Silver Ferns next season.
Coach Noeline Taurua said she supported Nweke’s move, while understanding NNZ’s stance.
‘‘She’s clear on why she is going over and I can only applaud her on that,’’ Taurua told Centre Court.
‘‘There is so much up side for her, so that when she comes back to the fold of the Silver Ferns that I know she will be a better player.’’
How much does that say about the national domestic league right now?
With Nweke’s absence, Amelia Walmsley, who did not feature during the recent England series, must see some game time against the Diamonds if the Silver Ferns are to test combinations ahead of a proposed international series in January.
Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio remains the only specialist goal attack, with traditional goal shoot Maia Wilson serving as back-up.
Phoenix Karaka returns to add experience to the defence and Claire O’Brien and Parris Mason made strong debuts last month.
O’Brien will look to build on those performances, as the Sydney-born Silver Fern tries to make the wing attack bib her own against her home nation.
Despite losing the Taini Jamison series 2-1, the Silver Ferns finished strong against the England Roses with a 61-56 win in Invercargill.
They were more direct, treasured the ball, picked up ball defensively - and looked settled when their were no changes.
Playing the Diamonds is always a step up, but the Silver Ferns need to rise to the occasion and make the most of having the opening two tests at home if they want to steal the trophy.
Australian Diamonds
Australia also find themselves at a crossroads as they try to break a three-year drought on New Zealand soil.
The Diamonds last secured victory in New Zealand in 2021 - when the Silver Ferns won the series - and it has really become somewhat of a problem for the visitors.
They have always been strong at home, but have struggled to get over the hump of winning away.
Coach Stacey Marinkovich has been clear that her team’s performance in the Constellation Cup in the past couple of years has not been good enough.
She has high standards for the world champions and nothing less than a win in New Zealand will be acceptable.
They do, however, come in with some good form.
The Diamonds beat the England Roses 2-1 in their series last month and were clinical and convincing in their two big wins against the world No 2.
Experienced defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce return after missing the England series through injury and young goal attack-wing attack Georgie Horjus will make her debut if selected.
Goal attack Kiera Austin has looked slick since becoming the first-choice goal attack last year and will be hard to shut down if she fires.
Her connection with Melbourne Vixens shooting partner Sophie Garbin has continued in the green and gold, and the Silver Ferns will need to shut that down early.
Constellation Cup
SQUADS
Silver Ferns: Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Parris Mason*, Erena Mikaere, Grace Nweke, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson.
* subject to medical clearance.
Australian Diamonds: Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Dwyer, Rudi Ellis, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Paige Hadley, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson, Jo Weston.
