The Silver Ferns have carried their Commonwealth Games gold medal momentum into the Constellation Cup, defeating arch-rivals Australia 56–50 in Auckland to take an early lead in the four-test series.
Playing in front of a roaring crowd of 6,800 spectators, the largest New Zealand netball audience in a decade, the Silver Ferns delivered three outstanding quarters of attacking precision and defensive dominance before surviving a late Australian comeback.
The victory extends Australia’s losing streak on New Zealand soil to 11 consecutive matches, with the Diamonds last winning in Aotearoa in 2021.
Grace Nweke Dominates as Silver Ferns Take Control
Towering goal shoot Grace Nweke was instrumental in the victory, converting an extraordinary 40 goals from 41 attempts.
The 1.93-metre shooting star was virtually unstoppable under the hoop, combining superbly with Georgia Heffernan as the Silver Ferns established control early.
New Zealand’s disciplined ball retention and clinical shooting proved decisive, with the home side building a 15–10 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
At the other end of the court, Kelly Jackson and captain Karin Burger delivered a commanding defensive performance, disrupting Australia’s attacking combinations and forcing errors.
Jackson was particularly influential, using her height, reach and timing to restrict the Diamonds’ shooting opportunities.
Perfect Shooting Sends Silver Ferns Into Halftime With Ten-Goal Lead
The Silver Ferns increased their intensity during the second quarter, producing some of their best netball of the match.
Nweke was perfect under the hoop during the first half, shooting 26 goals from 26 attempts as New Zealand’s midcourt delivered a steady supply of accurate passes.
Maddy Gordon, Kimiora Poi and the Heffernan sisters combined effectively to maintain possession and create opportunities inside the shooting circle.
Australia attempted to regain control through a series of substitutions, including the introduction of Sophie Dwyer and debutant Jessie Grenvold.
Veteran defender Courtney Bruce, playing her 100th international match, was moved to goal defence as the Diamonds searched for answers.
However, New Zealand continued to dominate, taking a commanding 32–22 lead into halftime.
Selby-Rickit Returns as New Zealand Extends Advantage
The third quarter provided an opportunity for the Silver Ferns to demonstrate the depth of their squad.
Mila Reuelu-Buchanan entered the match at wing defence, while Gordon moved to wing attack and Kate Heffernan shifted to centre.
Experienced shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit also made her first Silver Ferns appearance since 2023, replacing Georgia Heffernan at goal attack.
Her return added another attacking dimension, with New Zealand maintaining its composure despite a stronger Australian challenge.
The Diamonds introduced Sophie Garbin for her 50th test and handed Jamie-Lee Price the captaincy duties in the midcourt.
Australia scored the first three goals of the quarter, but the Silver Ferns quickly regained control.
Jackson continued to dominate defensively, while New Zealand capitalised on Australian errors to extend its lead to 45–33 heading into the final quarter.
Late Diamonds Fightback Takes Shine Off Dominant Performance
With a 12-goal advantage entering the final 15 minutes, the Silver Ferns appeared on course for a comprehensive victory.
However, Australia mounted a determined comeback, increasing its defensive pressure and disrupting New Zealand’s attacking rhythm.
The Diamonds reduced the deficit by six goals, winning the final quarter 17–11.
Although the Silver Ferns had done enough to secure the 56–50 victory, the late resurgence provided a reminder of Australia’s ability to respond under pressure.
New Zealand will be looking to maintain its intensity for the full 60 minutes when the two sides meet again.
Commonwealth Games Champions Continue Winning Momentum
The victory follows the Silver Ferns’ recent gold medal triumph at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, where New Zealand emerged as champions.
Australia, which failed to reach a major tournament final for the first time at those Games, arrived in Auckland determined to reassert its international standing.
However, the Diamonds were unable to match New Zealand’s attacking efficiency and defensive intensity through the opening three quarters.
Australia was also without experienced midcourter Kate Moloney, who missed the opening test because of a finger injury.
For the Silver Ferns, the result reinforces the confidence and combinations developed during their successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
The performance of Nweke, Jackson and Burger, alongside the strength of New Zealand’s midcourt, will provide encouragement as the series continues.
Christchurch Next as Silver Ferns Chase Series Advantage
The four-test Constellation Cup series is being played across two matches in New Zealand and two in Australia.
The second test is scheduled for Wednesday in Christchurch at 7.40pm New Zealand time, where the Silver Ferns will look to establish a commanding 2–0 advantage before the series moves across the Tasman.
With the newly established Plummer-Aitken Medal set to recognise the series’ most valuable player, individual performances will also be under the spotlight.
For now, the Silver Ferns have delivered an emphatic opening statement.
With Grace Nweke firing, Kelly Jackson dominating defensively and the team carrying the confidence of Commonwealth Games gold, New Zealand has shown it is ready for another fierce battle with its greatest netball rival.
Final score: Silver Ferns 56 – Australian Diamonds 50
Quarter scores: 15–10, 32–22, 45–33, 56–50.
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