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SELECT 👉 Hagley Oval commentaryDiamonds deliver big final quarter in Constellation Cup opener
Melissa Woods, AAP •  October 18th, 2025 12:20 am
Sophie Garbin scored 42 goals from 45 attempts as the Diamonds went 1-0 up against the Silver Ferns | Photo: James Ross/AAP
The Diamonds have overcome a spirited New Zealand outfit to open the Constellation Cup netball series with a commanding 69-52 victory over their arch-rivals in Melbourne.
The world No. 1-ranked Australians kicked away in the final term after a tight tussle through the first three quarters, with shooter Sophie Garbin finishing the match with 42 goals from 45 attempts.
The Silver Ferns are the trans-Tasman trophy holders, after convincingly claiming the four-Test series 3-1 last year.
But they have been in turmoil off the court with veteran coach Noeline Taurua stood down since September after player complaints about her communication style.
In front of a full-house of 9,421 at John Cain Arena on Friday night, the Kiwis were able to put that drama aside to provide a tough battle for the world champions.
Australian captain Liz Watson battles to keep her feet in the highly-physical match | Photo: James Ross/AAP
Rebuilding since last year's series defeat, Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich felt the scoreline didn't reflect the closeness of the contest.
"I think the first half showed how intense that battle actually was - even throughout, they still kept coming and they still kept contesting," the coach said.
"We knew we'd have to come out really firing, we're focusing on our starts, we need to be able to hold the standard and that's something that we've got to be able to do consistently.
"There's a real mindset around holding the standard and driving it from within and I thought the girls did that really well tonight."
Interim New Zealand coach Yvetter McCausland-Durie felt "mental fatigue" caught up with her side in the final term and, while disappointed with the scoreline, said there was still plenty to like.
"We're pleased with three quarters, but the game doesn't count for three quarters, so we're realistic from a performance perspective, we've got to be better," she said.
"We've got to learn fast and make those adjustments.They're physically capable, they know the game well, it is just that mental fatigue staying in it for longer."
The two top-ranked teams couldn't be split at the end of the first quarter, level at 13-13, with the physicality between the sides off the scale.
Diamonds goal-keeper Courtney Bruce had her hands full with the Silver Ferns' star shooter Grace Nweke.
Silver Ferns gun Grace Nweke battles against Courtney Bruce | Photo: James Ross/AAP
While she piled in 10 goals, Bruce finished the quarter on top with a rare block on Australian-raised goal attack Martina Salmon and a crucial intercept.
Growing up in Queensland, Salmon (nee Reekers) was in the Australian under 21 squad in 2022 before moving back to New Zealand and was selected for Test duties this year after her first ANZ Premiership season.
The Diamonds held at two-goal lead at halftime with the Vixens shooting partnership of Garbin and Kiera Austin flourishing.
Centre Kate Moloney, who was named player of the match, and skipper Liz Watson were both a force through the midcourt.
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The home side got out to a seven-point lead in the third quarter but McCausland-Durie made some key changes and they pegged the margin back to 45-41.
The Australians opened the final quarter with five straight goals - Garbin and Austin sharing the spoils - to set a huge challenge for the Kiwis.
Marinkovich then switched some personnel and the fresh energy saw the home side roar home to win the quarter 24-11 and bank an impressive 17-point victory.
Nweke was the leading scorer for the visitors with 37 goals from 41 attempts.
Game two is in Sydney on Wednesday night before two matches in New Zealand.
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of the Constellation Cup this Wednesday from 9pm - available on the app and all NZ frequencies.
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