Netball’s biggest rivals will meet for bragging rights this Quad Series with Australia and New Zealand unbeaten after the first round.
Despite failing to make the gold medal match in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Silver Ferns returned to their competitive best in the Constellation Cup and claimed both opening matches at home.
On the back of Peta Toeava’s brilliance in the midcourt and Kelly Jury’s dominance in defence, New Zealand showed they are a team to be feared once again.
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Remarkably, those two wins against Australia came with the Diamonds missing defender Jo Weston.
And once again, they’ll take the court without Weston who remained at home with a calf injury.
New Zealand domestic coach Kiri Wills said Weston will be a massive blow for Australia’s hopes of success.
“Without Jo Weston the Aussies are definitely not as strong,” she said on The Kiwi Netball Show podcast.
“And we saw that in the those Constellation Cup games when she was not available, (New Zealand) were a lot more competitive.
“When she came back on in Australia, she shut down Ameliaranne (Ekenasio) and that therefore put a lot more pressure on that WA/C combo. They needed to do a whole lot more to be available.”
Wills said she was also looking forward to see how a player like Toeava would counter the inclusion of star Diamonds’ wing defence Ash Brazill – who missed the past two international series to take part in the AFLW for Collingwood.
“I’m not surprised about Amy Parmenter (missing out on selection) – I think she really struggled against our style of play,” Wills said.
“I think Peta ate her for breakfast and now Peta may get a chance against Ash Brazill so we will see how that goes.
“Ash Brazill brings a whole other level of intensity to the game.”
Whether or not Brazill is fit to play for Australia remains unknown, after she was withdrawn late from the 12-player squad to face England on Sunday morning.
QUAD SERIES FIXTURES (AEDT)
January 22
Proteas vs Silver Ferns 41-61
Diamonds vs Roses 61-55
January 23
1am – Proteas vs Roses
3am – Diamonds vs Silver Ferns
January 25
1am – Roses vs Silver Ferns
3am – Proteas vs Diamonds
January 26
1am – 3rd & 4th playoff
3am – Final
