Diamonds lose Constellation Cup to New Zealand Silver Ferns for the first time since 2021

Australia has lost the Constellation Cup for the first time in three years following a devastating third quarter which left both the Diamond’s captain and vice-captain dragged to the bench.

Liz Watson was benched again in the Diamonds’ loss to New Zealand. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

The Diamonds have lost the Constellation Cup for the first time since 2021, with the hint of a changing of the guard occurring during the 61-43 defeat to the Silver Ferns in Perth.

South Australian product Georgie Horjus became Diamond no. 193 when she made her debut in the third quarter as captain Liz Watson was benched for the second match in succession.

And Jamie-Lee Price became the on-court skipper just minutes later as coach Stacey Marinkovich shuffled her midcourt taking regular vice-captain Paige Hadley off the court as well.

The Diamonds were right in the game at just two goals down at halftime but a disastrous third term – in which the Aussies managed just nine goals – was costly for them, with Marinkovich counselling her team about “unforced errors in attack across the board” that were hurting them.

Liz Watson was benched again in the Diamonds’ loss to New Zealand. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

The Diamonds were intent on bringing their trademark physical defence to the contest in a bid to unsettle the Ferns and while it worked early, the game deteriorated into a messy slugfest in which Australia was whistled out of the contest as their challenges became undisciplined.

In front of a crowd of more than 10,000 at Perth’s RAC Arena, the Diamonds had hoped to turn the tide after being unable to reverse their hoodoo in New Zealand.

But their winning run in Australia also dried up, with the Kiwis reversing their own form this side of the Tasman to notch their first victory since 2019.

GOOD FOR NETBALL

The series loss will be jarring to the Australians, who held every trophy in world netball and have managed to find a way to get the job done over the past three years regardless of the occasional defeat.

But it’s an outstanding result for world netball.

Grace Nweke of New Zealand takes a selfie with the fans after the win in Perth. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images.

The Ferns were seemingly on their knees just a fortnight ago having lost a series to England and dropped to no. 3 in the rankings while being on the verge of losing arguably the world’s best shooter, who will be ineligible for the team when she joins Super Netball.

Their wins have been comprehensive, with the Ferns sewing the series up in three matches for the first time and all three of their victories by double-digit margins.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD?

Liz Watson has nominated Horjus as “the future of this team” after the Thunderbirds playmaker made her debut for the Diamonds in a move that was a much a pointer to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and 2027 World Cup in Sydney as Sunday night’s clash.

“She so deserved of her opportunity,” Watson said of the 22-year-old.

“Obviously, she’s an incredible player with the Thunderbirds – two (Super Netball) premierships at such a young age is absolutely incredible.

Georgie Horjus made her debut on Sunday night. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“She’s a great person in the group and she’s the future of this team. So I was very, very proud of her out there today.”

While the Aussies racked up plenty of penalties, Watson is always a marked woman and has, at times, been unable to be effective as a midcourt general while being sweated on so much herself.

Ferns wing defence Kate Heffernan was outstanding though, winning player of the match honours for the efforts that forced the Diamonds to make changes.

Stacey Marinkovich rang the changes heading into the match, bringing in height at the defensive end with Matilda Garrett and Rudi Ellis coming into the squad, as well as dynamic playmaker Georgie Horjus.

Sophie Dwyer was also promoted to the run-on side at goal attack, with Sarah Klau starting at goal defence, both players rewarded for their strong form throughout the international season.

Kate Heffernan starred for the Silver Ferns. Picture: Dave Rowland/Getty Images.

NEW COMBINATION SHINES

Kiera Austin was named player of the series against the Roses but struggled against the Ferns’ zone defence early in the series, she and Sophie Garbin confusing the space in the circle and failing at times to look to the post.

Dwyer made the most of her chances off the bench in the first two Tests against the Kiwis, forcing her way into the starting side, with Austin out of the matchday 12 altogether.

She and Garbin combined seamlessly early but the individual and uncharacteristic errors that plagued the Aussies in the opening two games of the series continued in Perth and the Diamonds could not recover against a side that was close to flawless.

Originally published as Diamonds lose Constellation Cup to New Zealand Silver Ferns for the first time since 2021