The Constellation Cup heads across to New Zealand now, where the Silver Ferns will host the Australian Diamonds at Claudelands Arena, in Hamilton. Join The Roar for live coverage of the clash between these two rivals, from 2pm AEDT.
On Wednesday, in Townsville, the two sides met in game two of this series, where Australia continued their run against New Zealand with a nine-goal victory.
It was a proud night for New Zealand though, their captain Laura Langman, became the most capped Silver Fern of all time.
Australia have made one change for game three, as announced prior to the series.
After Kate Moloney took Kim Ravaillion’s place in the mid-court in the first two Tests, Jamie-Lee Price will now fill this spot for games three and four.
It was always Lisa Alexander’s plan to see both ladies in the green and gold throughout this series; Jamie-Lee Price, who lived in New Zealand for 13 years, will be familiar with this venue and the New Zealand crowds.
New Zealand will continue with their 12 strong squad, who have made inroads and are improving each time they step on court together.
The first two Tests in this Constellation Cup have convincingly gone the way of Australia, can New Zealand strike back at home, or will Australia wrap this series up today?
Prediction
They’ve played Australia away from home three times in the last month, and lost them all. Now it’s New Zealand’s turn to increase the intensity and lift their game to another level in front of their home crowd.
Australia’s comprehensive wins make them hard to go past though, the only question will be how Jamie-Lee Price slots into this line up.
Australia by five goals.
Venue: Claudelands Arena, Hamilton
Time: 2pm AEDT
TV: Nine Network
Betting: New Zealand $4.40, Australia $1.20
New Zealand
Gina Crampton
Aliyah Dunn
Sulu Fitzpatrick
Maria Folau
Katrina Grant
Laura Langman (C)
Erikana Pedersen
Te Paea Selby-Rickit
Samantha Sinclair
Michaela Sokolich-Beatson
Jane Watson
Maia Wilson
Australia
Caitlin Bassett (C)
April Brandley
Kelsey Browne
Courtney Bruce
Emily Mannix
Jamie-Lee Price
Gabi Simpson
Caitlin Thwaites
Gretel Tippett
Liz Watson
Jo Weston
Stephanie Wood
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in today, another great test between these two rivals. Plenty of work for Australia to do before the final test, and New Zealand well, they now have the confidence that they can win again. Huge final test coming up on Thursday at 5:30pm AEDT. I'll be back blogging that one, and would love to have your company! Enjoy your week. Final score 55-44
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Anyone still following along and want to share their thoughts on the third test?
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
MVP today is Jane Watson (GK) of New Zealand.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Very erratic game today, Australia incredibly messy and that showed in the statistics. How should the Australian's approach game 4? Go back to their consistent starting seven, or at the least the first option shooters/defenders? Or mix it up? New Zealand would have to win the fourth test by 14 goals or more to take the series.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Final stats for the game Shooting: 87%-83% Turnovers: 21-28 Penalties: 37-64
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Penalties: 37 (NZL)-64(AUS)
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
Hello, thanks for tuning in. Ch 9 should put them up in a second and I'll comment them here. Stats aren't put online for the Constellation Cup, so I have to rely on the coverage.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
A dominant display by the Silver Ferns, who really needed a confident boosting win over the Australians, and executed that today. From the get-go New Zealand were on, the crowd were loud and across the court they played well and had consistency. Australia were rattled, different combinations to begin with and then inconsistency across the court, made it difficult to find their flow. The Ferns' defence swarmed Australia, who were calling for penalties and just did not look comfortable out there. It's good to see players in different positions and ladies getting their go, but today the Aussies looked off. Full credit to the New Zealand defence - Grant and Watson were best on court in my opinion - and Folau not too far behind. She was incredibly accurate today and played a great game at GS. Final score NZL 55 AUS 44
KenoathCarnt
Roar Rookie
Hey Sarah do you know what the end penalty count was? I can't find any stats
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
FULL TIME New Zealand have taken victory over Australia by 11 goals, huge effort by the Ferns! NZL 55 AUS 44
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
1' Australia keep pushing at the centre pass, score again through Tippett. NZL 55 AUS 44
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
1' Contact called against Selby-Rickit, Australia transition through Tippett, who then drives into the circle and scores. NZL 55 AUS 43
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
2' Brilliant by Watson, intercepts the basketball-like offload by Tippett. Selby-Rickit scores and then Folau gets one at the next centre pass. NZL 55 AUS 41
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
2' Dominant all game by New Zealand. Lead this quarter 11-5. NZL 53 AUS 41
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
3' Another goal for New Zealand through Folau. NZL 52 AUS 41
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
4' Meanwhile up the other end, Weston and Bruce are getting called for a lot of contact. As are the Australian's all over the court really. Price cautioned for contact on Langman. NZL 51 AUS 41
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
5' Fantastic defence by the Ferns, Watson and Grant have cleaned up their play in this second half. As I say that Watson is called for contact, but it has been much better. NZL 50 AUS 41
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
6' Folau scores for New Zealand, ten goals the lead. Looking like a big win for the Silver Ferns. NZL 50 AUS 40
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
6' Wood's shot circles the ring and falls out. Rebounded by the defenders, they score through a nice feed into Selby Rickit. NZL 49 AUS 40
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
7' Selby-Rickit scores, getting better in the GA position. NZL 48 AUS 40