The Australian Diamonds are just one win away from sealing their record 11th Constellation Cup when they take on rivals New Zealand on Thursday.
The Diamonds have taken victory in games one and two – by a whopping combined 19 goals – leaving the Silver Ferns with a do-or-die clash in Invercargill.
With two games to run – this being the first of the New Zealand leg – the Diamonds are riding a wave of confidence.
Watch every game of the 2023 Constellation Cup Series, Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >
But they’ll head to an unhappy hunting ground in Invercargill – a venue where they’ve won just three of their 10 matches.
The Ferns were bolstered by the return of star Grace Nweke in game two – albeit on limited minutes, as they chase their first win of the series.
In just a half of game time, Nweke showed her importance to the Ferns’ line.
Diamonds shine in fierce battle with NZ | 01:52
“I would hope Dame Noeline Taurua actually starts with (Nweke) – you see the confidence that she gives to this playing group,” Fox Netball’s Nat Medhurst said.
“She’s just going to continue to grow.
“I think the way the midcourt for the Silver Ferns played around her, they started to get a lot more depth. It didn’t allow (Diamonds defender) Courtney Bruce to come into the game and look for balls which we know she can do – that’s the difference Nweke makes to this team.”
This match gets underway at 5.30pm AEDT from Robyn Broughton Stadium, Invercargill.
Watch it live on Fox Sports (channel 503) from 5pm AEDT.
Follow Australia v New Zealand in our live blog below!
If you can’t see the blog, tap here.
