The Silver Ferns have delivered another stunning performance against arch-rivals Australia, powering home to a 62-50 victory over the Diamonds in Christchurch to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2026 Constellation Cup series.
Backing up their 56-50 victory in the opening test on Sunday, the New Zealanders produced a determined final-quarter surge to overcome a fierce Australian comeback and keep their unbeaten home record in the series intact.
With the action now shifting across the Tasman, the Silver Ferns are just one victory away from securing the Constellation Cup.
Silver Ferns Finish with a Bang
The match was a classic trans-Tasman battle, with both sides producing periods of intense defensive pressure, physical contests and outstanding shooting.
New Zealand led 17-14 after the opening quarter and extended that advantage to 33-26 at halftime, with star shooter Grace Nweke producing a flawless 26 goals from 26 attempts during the first half.
The Silver Ferns looked firmly in control when they extended their lead to 11 goals during the third quarter.
But Australia refused to surrender.
Led by a determined defensive effort, the Diamonds disrupted New Zealand’s attacking rhythm, forced turnovers and steadily clawed their way back into contention.
By three-quarter time, the Silver Ferns’ advantage had been reduced to just three goals, with New Zealand leading 45-42.
With the match hanging in the balance, the home side needed a response.
And they delivered.
Selby-Rickit and Toeava Spark Final-Quarter Blitz
The introduction of experienced shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit, combined with the return of dynamic midcourter Peta Toeava, helped transform the Silver Ferns’ attacking momentum.
New Zealand regained control of possession, moved the ball with greater confidence and capitalised on Australia’s mounting pressure.
The result was a devastating 17-8 final quarter, which extinguished the Diamonds’ comeback hopes and sent the Christchurch crowd into celebration.
The 12-goal winning margin could also prove important later in the series.
Under Constellation Cup rules, if the four-test series finishes tied at two victories apiece, the trophy will be decided by overall goal differential.
New Zealand’s strong finish has therefore delivered not only another victory but a valuable advantage heading into the Australian leg.
Grace Nweke Leads the Charge
Nweke was again central to the Silver Ferns’ attacking performance, proving a constant threat under the post.
Her combination with midcourters Maddy Gordon and Peta Toeava created repeated opportunities, with the pair delivering quick, long-range passes into the shooting circle.
Despite facing intense defensive attention, Nweke’s accuracy and positioning helped New Zealand maintain scoreboard pressure.
At the opposite end of the court, Silver Ferns captain Karin Burger and fellow defender Kelly Jackson worked tirelessly against Australia’s attacking combinations.
Australian shooters Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin initially found success with quick ball movement, but New Zealand’s defensive pressure became increasingly important as the match progressed.
Diamonds Fight Back but Fall Short
Australia entered the second test determined to respond to Sunday’s defeat.
The Diamonds made changes to their match-day squad, bringing in vice-captain Kate Moloney following a finger injury and towering shooter Donnell Wallam.
Midcourter Jamie-Lee Price was unavailable because of a calf injury.
Australia also introduced a new starting defensive combination in an attempt to disrupt New Zealand’s attacking connections.
The strategy produced periods of success, particularly during the third quarter when Courtney Bruce and rookie defender Jessie Grenvold combined to frustrate the Silver Ferns.
Australia’s ability to turn an 11-goal deficit into a three-goal contest demonstrated the threat they continue to pose.
However, the Diamonds were unable to sustain that momentum as New Zealand lifted its intensity in the final 15 minutes.
Constellation Cup Now Heads to Australia
The Silver Ferns now travel to Sydney for the third test on Sunday, where another victory would secure the Constellation Cup with a match to spare.
<text color=”default”>Constellation Cup 2026 – Series Results</text>
- Test 1: Silver Ferns 56 – Australian Diamonds 50
- Test 2: Silver Ferns 62 – Australian Diamonds 50
- Series: New Zealand leads 2-0
- Test 3: Sunday, October 25 – Sydney, 6pm NZ time
The Australians will have home-court advantage for the remaining two matches, but the pressure is firmly on the Diamonds to keep the series alive.
For the Silver Ferns, the challenge will be maintaining the composure, defensive intensity and attacking accuracy that have delivered two consecutive victories.
One Win Away from Constellation Cup Glory
The latest result is another significant confidence boost for New Zealand netball, particularly against an Australian side renowned for its depth, physicality and international success.
The Silver Ferns have demonstrated that they can withstand sustained pressure, respond to momentum shifts and produce match-winning performances when the contest is at its most intense.
Their final-quarter performance in Christchurch was a reminder of the resilience and attacking firepower within the New Zealand squad.
With two victories secured and the Constellation Cup now within touching distance, the Silver Ferns head across the Tasman knowing that one more win will be enough to bring the trophy home.
But against the Australian Diamonds, nothing can be taken for granted.
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