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.
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
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.
The Silver Ferns aren't going away quietly, and have chipped away at the deficit to five goals midway through the third quarter.
The Diamonds have made their first substitution for the game, with Amy Parmenter coming on for Jamie-Lee Price at wing defence.
Australia leads 46-38 with one quarter to go.
The Diamonds have made the perfect start and lead 31-22 at halftime in Melbourne.
Australia outscored New Zealand 16-11 in the second quarter and led by as many as 10 goals at one stage.
Captain Liz Watson and Kate Moloney are putting on a clinic in the midcourt, while Sophie Garbin is justifying her selection with 19/23 shooting in the first half.
What an insane half. From Jo Weston to Sophie Garbin, Ferns struggling to make an impact and really missing Toeava. Gary Burgess, slaying as always. #constellationcup
— courtney gould (@heyycourtt) October 19, 2022
The Diamonds need to win the remaining two games by a combined margin of at least 13 points to reclaim the Constellation Cup, and a double figure victory here in Game 3 would go a long away to eating away at that deficit.
The Diamonds have come out firing and lead 15-11 after the first quarter.
Sophie Garbin has made an immediate impact at goal shooter and is proving to be a much-needed physical presence under the post, while Steph Wood also hasn't been afraid to put up shots.
omg who knew sophie garbin a goal shooter!! visionary #constellationcup
— courtney gould (@heyycourtt) October 19, 2022
@sophiegarbin has arrived 💅🔥 @AussieDiamonds #ConstellationCup
— Jess Hamilton (@JessMayHamilton) October 19, 2022
The Diamonds are fired up and goal keeper Courtney Bruce is engaging in some argy bargy at the other end.
Silver Ferns goal shooter Grace Nweke has been reasonably well contained by the Diamonds defence so far.
If the Silver Ferns go on to claim Game 3 and take a 3-0 series lead, it will be the first time since way back in 2006 that the Diamonds will have lost three games in a row.
The Aussies will be out to avoid their arch rivals breaking that 16-year record.
The Diamonds have made a couple of changes to their starting line-up from Game 2, with Sophie Garbin replacing Cara Koenen at goal shooter and Jo Weston coming in for the injured Sunday Aryang at goal defence.
Debutants Maddy Proud and Sophie Dwyer have been left out of the squad for Game 3.
Diamonds starting seven: Sophie Garbin (GS), Steph Wood (GA), Liz Watson (WA), Kate Moloney (C), Jamie-Lee Price (WD), Jo Weston (GD), Courtney Bruce (GK).
Diamonds Bench: Kiera Austin, Ruby Bakewell-Doran, Cara Koenen, Amy Parmenter, Sarah Klau
Silver Ferns starting seven: Grace Nweke (GS), Ameliaranne Ekenasio (GA), Maddy Gordon (WA), Whitney Souness (C), Kate Heffernan (WD), Phoenix Karaka (GD), Kelly Jury (GK)
Silver Ferns bench: Kayla Johnson, Kimiora Pol, Te Paea Selby-Rickit, Elle Temu, Maia Wilson
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