The Silver Ferns have drawn first blood in the Constellation Cup series, edging out Australia 54-52 in Melbourne today despite being without the services of their talismanic captain Casey Williams.
The Ferns suffered a setback before the opening whistle, with Williams' international return put on hold after the inspirational defender pulled up with knee soreness following their final training hit-out.
The decision was made not to risk Williams, who has battled knee and calf problems throughout her career.
Williams has not played for the Ferns since last year's world championships having sat out the end of year tests as she recovered from minor ankle surgery. She is expected to be back before the second and third tests in Auckland and Christchurch respectively.
In Williams' absence Katrina Grant and Leana de Bruin stepped up to lead the defensive end, the pair combining brilliantly to force Australian coach Lisa Alexander to try all four of her shooters.
Much of the pre-match talk surrounded how the new-look Ferns midcourt would fare against the experienced Australian line-up and Anna Harrison, Laura Langman and Camilla Lees proved equal to the task.
Three-test rookie Lees, who was playing against Australia for the first time, in particular impressed, the youngster proving solid under the pressure, feeding Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia well.
In a fairly quiet start to the match, the two teams were goal-for-goal for much of the opening spell, with both sides taking some time to feel each other out.
The first break after nine minutes, when Australia capitalised on an attacking error from the Ferns - a pretty hairy pass from Leana de Bruin - and converted the following centre pass to take a three-goal lead.
The Ferns counter-punched with a run of four-straight goals to get their noses in front, maintaining a narrow 12-10 lead at the first break.
They maintained that two-goal advantage at halftime, fending off several charges from the Diamonds to take a 26-24 lead at the long break.
It was the third quarter in which the Ferns made their move, as the back trio of Grant, de Bruin and Anna Harrison combined to shut out the Australian attack.
Natalie Medhurst in particular struggled through the third quarter, turning the ball over on consecutive possessions before she was replaced by Erin Bell during an injury break.
With New Zealand holding a healthy 41-36 lead at the final turn, Alexander made further changes heading in to the fourth quarter, introducing 1.92m shooter Caitlin Bassett.
Having the tall target of Bassett at the back helped open up the Australian attack end, as they rallied on several occasions through the final period.
But the Ferns managed to cling to their lead in a scrappy closing to the match.
The series now moves to Auckland for Thursday's second test.
- Dana Johannsen of the New Zealand Herald in Melbourne
