Silver Ferns defeat Australia in Constellation Cup opener

The Silver Ferns secured a 56-50 victory against the Australian Diamonds in the opening match of the four-test Constellation Cup series at Auckland's Spark Arena. This win provides New Zealand with a 1-0 lead in the series before the teams travel to Christchurch for the second test on Wednesday. The series will conclude with the final two matches held in Australia.

Veteran defender Kelly Jackson was named player of the match, recording eight gains, five deflections, two intercepts, and two blocked shots. Jackson's performance helped extend Australia's losing streak on New Zealand soil to 11 consecutive matches, a run dating back to March 2021. She worked alongside defensive partner Karin Burger to pressure the Australian shooting circle.

The Diamonds' coach, Stacey Marinkovich, utilised all four of her shooters during the match. Australian defender Courtney Bruce marked her 100th test during the contest.

This series serves as a significant test ahead of the Netball World Cup in Sydney next August. Unlike the previous year, a tie in the series will no longer be decided by extra time, but instead by calculating the overall goal difference across the four tests.

How it developed

• Mon 19 Oct, 4:00amThe first test of the series resulted in a 56-50 win for the Silver Ferns in Auckland.

Where reports differ

• One report states the Silver Ferns are ranked second in the world, while another notes Australia holds the number one spot with New Zealand six points behind

Compiled from reports by RNZ, Stuff, NZ Herald, The Post, Otago Daily Times and 1News.