Australian Diamonds thrash Silver Ferns to keep Constellation Cup dream alive

The Diamonds have put on an absolute clinic against New Zealand to rocket back in the frame to reclaim netball's Constellation Cup. 

The Diamonds have taken a huge step towards reclaiming the Constellation Cup, returning to form with a dominant 62-47 win over New Zealand on Wednesday night.

After losing the first two games across the ditch, the Diamonds were out to make a statement in front of a capacity crowd at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena.

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And they did just that. The Diamonds needed to win the remaining two games by a combined margin of at least 13 goals to win back the Constellation Cup on goal difference aggregate.

The resounding 15-goal victory means the Diamonds are miraculously now ahead of the ledger by three goals heading into the series decider.

Playing their first game on Australian soil in 1088 days, the Australians came out firing with a new-look shooting combination and a physical style of play.

Sophie Garbin started at goal shooter and was just the imposing presence the Diamonds needed under the post.

Sophie Garbin made her presence felt at goal shooter. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Garbin partnered superbly with goal attack Steph Wood, who took more shots than usual and was accurate from long range.

Star Silver Ferns wing attack Peta Toeava terrorised the Diamonds in the opening two games but isn’t playing in the Australian leg, and it’s safe to say the Kiwis missed her.

Australian captain Liz Watson put on an absolute clinic in the midcourt and finished with an astonishing number of circle feeds.

Liz Watson is wiping the floor with these Silver Ferns. #ConstellationCup

— courtney gould (@heyycourtt) October 19, 2022

Liz Watson and the Diamonds put on a clinic in Game 3 of the Constellation Cup. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Trans-Tasman series has so far been overshadowed by the uniform controversy surrounding Netball Australia’s $15 million sponsorship deal with Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting.

The Diamonds didn't wear the Hancock logo on their uniform in Game 3 and let their netball do the talking. 

The fourth and final game of the Constellation Cup will be held on Sunday on the Gold Coast.