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Diamonds plan more netball pain for New Zealand

7th October, 2014
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Nailbiters have become more like blowouts but Australia’s Diamonds intend to inflict even more pain on netball archrivals New Zealand.

The Diamonds are aware the current four-Test Constellation Cup series is the last crack they’ll get at the world No.2 Silver Ferns before next year’s World Cup in Sydney.

And they aim to elevate their game still further in the second Test at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena on Wednesday night.

Traditionally there’s only been a few goals difference between the two great netball superpowers, but Australia, under coach Lisa Alexander, have kicked away recently.

The world champions crushed the Silver Ferns by 18 goals in the recent Commonwealth Games gold medal game and backed it up by inflicting a 17-goal beating in the first Test in Invercargill last week.

There seems little chance of complacency setting in though.

“We have put in the hard work, and you can just never, never let up,” said rookie Diamonds goal shooter Tegan Caldwell.

“We are playing at such a top level but there is room to improve, there is no way we would ever underestimate New Zealand.

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“They are tough, but we will be ready for them and we are looking to lift the bar.”

Adding to the intensity is the constant battle for spots in the Australian team, especially with the World Cup looming in August.

“I think (the World Cup) is in the back of everybody’s mind during this Test series,” said Caldwell.

“You just want to put your best performance out there.”

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