{"id":940161,"date":"2026-10-25T07:58:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T07:58:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/940161\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T07:58:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T07:58:13","slug":"diamonds-go-down-to-new-zealand-silver-ferns-in-game-three-to-lose-constellation-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/940161\/","title":{"rendered":"Diamonds go down to New Zealand Silver Ferns in game three to lose Constellation Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Australia has lost game three of the Constellation Cup 52-49 to New Zealand to hand the trophy back to the Silver Ferns in Sydney.<\/p>\n

After leading 41-39 heading into the final quarter of a gripping contest, the Ferns rattled off seven straight goals after three-quarter-time to establish a five-goal lead.<\/p>\n

The Diamonds went on their own run to square the ledger at 47-47 as the Test headed into its final five minutes, but costly turnovers and penalties by Australia allowed New Zealand to finish fastest and win the final quarter 13-8.<\/p>\n

After falling behind 3-0 in the four-game series, the Diamonds will be playing for pride at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The Diamonds are also a chance of losing their world number one netball ranking to New Zealand after the Ferns won gold at the Commonwealth Games in August, while Australia claimed bronze<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Look back at all the action in our live blog of game three.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 6:23pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 6:23pm<\/p>\n

We’ll leave it there<\/p>\n

I’ve just popped down to the press conferences.<\/p>\n

Interesting bit of info for Diamonds fans, the finger troubling Kate Moloney in this game was different to the one she already had stitches in.<\/p>\n

Poor Kate, that’s got to be painful. I’d love to know how many stitches in total are keeping together her hand at this point.<\/p>\n

As you can imagine, the Silver Ferns coach and captain Karin Burger were absolutely elated. As they should be.<\/p>\n

They’ve wrapped the series with one game to come on Wednesday night in Melbourne. Can they make it a clean sweep?<\/p>\n

Join us again same place, from 7pm AEDT and we’ll bring you all the action. Catch you then.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:40pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:40pmFT stats<\/p>\n

The penalties were much lower in this game for the Aussies compared to their hitouts in Auckland and Christchurch. They finished with 51 in total but were still penalised seven more times than the opposition.<\/p>\n

It did feel like some contact calls in that final quarter helped the Silver Ferns get back in it.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Champion Data)<\/p>\n

The Diamonds scored more of their centre passes overall, but the Silver Ferns were slicker in defence and scored every one of the eight errors the Aussies made.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Champion Data)Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:24pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:24pmFT: NZ win 52-49<\/p>\n

Well done to the Silver Ferns, they have just won the Constellation Cup for a fourth time!<\/p>\n

Although the Aussies were the better team for much of that game, the visitors never stopped fighting.\u00a0 Defensively they were excellent and cleaner to ball.<\/p>\n

This could be huge for their country.<\/p>\n

Currently facing uncertainty with their domestic competition, their best players have all jumped ship amidst the chaos and decided to sign with Super Netball teams for a second straight year.<\/p>\n

And yet here they are winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, claiming the Constellation Cup and potentially taking the number one world ranking in the space of a couple of months. Hopefully all this success helps them generate better broadcast deals and funding moving forward.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:23pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:23pm<\/p>\n

Is it the Kiwis’ night?<\/p>\n

With the run of the centre pass, the Kiwis are in front. Then on the next Aussie centre pass, for a chance to level it up, Horjus is called for an offensive penalty. Desperate to win ball back, Bruce challenges Nweke mid-air and Nweke falls backwards onto the floorboards. That was potentially dangerous. Both benches and sets of coaches are on their feet riding this game. A little over a minute left.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand lead 50-48<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:20pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:20pm<\/p>\n

Scores level<\/p>\n

With the next centre pass Australia levels it up.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Tied 47-all<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:19pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:19pm<\/p>\n

Moloney is back<\/p>\n

With a little over five minutes left in the game. Kate Moloney is ready to resume at centre. The crowd is on their feet!<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:19pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:19pm<\/p>\n

Aussies fight back<\/p>\n

Parmenter comes up with crucial ball in the midcourt.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand leads 47-46<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:18pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:18pm<\/p>\n

Throw-in Australia<\/p>\n

At the midway point of this final period, New Zealand have momentum but they throw the ball over the back line. Grenvold takes the throw in and Australia edges one back.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand lead 47-44<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:17pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:17pm<\/p>\n

Gordon hurt<\/p>\n

The umpires are going to need to take control of this game because several players have now hit the deck in this final quarter. Good news is Maddy Gordon is able to carry on with the game.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:16pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:16pm<\/p>\n

Bruce caught underneath<\/p>\n

The Kiwis are on a roll and it doesn’t help that Bruce and Nweke went up for an aerial challenge. Bruce fell hard forwards on the floorboards and Nweke fell on top of her. She’s grimacing and slow to get up. But does continue on.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:14pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:14pm<\/p>\n

Substiutions<\/p>\n

Te Paea Selby-Rickit re-enters the game at goal attack.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:12pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:12pm<\/p>\n

New Zealand are in front<\/p>\n

Four minutes into the final quarter and the Kiwis take back control of the game. It’s the first time they’ve hit the lead since early in the first quarter. Sophie Dwyer is pulled off and Kiera Austin takes the GA bib.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand lead 42-41<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:11pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:11pm<\/p>\n

Burger intercept<\/p>\n

Karin Burger jumps on a missed shot from the Aussies and despite some shaky confidence from the Kiwi shooters, they manage to convert.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Level 41-all<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:10pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:10pm<\/p>\n

Boos ring out<\/p>\n

What the!? Heffernan\u00a0and Parmenter collide on court. Parmenter is stuck underneath her but the umpire pulls up Horjus for contact? The crowd is not happy.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:09pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:09pm<\/p>\n

Grenvold intercept<\/p>\n

The Aussie goal keeper has been electric all game!<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:08pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:08pm<\/p>\n

Just 15 minutes left<\/p>\n

Final quarter underway. Nothing in the game. No changes to either team.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:05pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:05pm<\/p>\n

3\/4T Australia leads 41-39<\/p>\n

How are we feeling Diamonds fans? It’s a much better performance so far from the Aussie side. They’re infront at the final break… But not by much. Have the Silver Ferns got one more push left in them?<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:04pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:04pm<\/p>\n

Dwyer carves it up<\/p>\n

Dwyer\u00a0receives a pass in the circle and uses Horjus on the edge with a quick give and go, the front cut helps her find a better position on the right hand side of the post. Nice goal.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 41-38<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:02pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:02pm<\/p>\n

Grenvold pickup<\/p>\n

A mix up between the Silver Ferns shooters sees ball free low on the ground under the post. Grenvold is first to it. The Diamonds send the ball down court and score.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 40-35<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:00pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 5:00pm<\/p>\n

It’s getting physical!<\/p>\n

With less than five minutes left in the period, Parmenter and Kate Heffernan bang\u00a0into each other. Parmenter was preventing the goal attack from entering the circle and gets a big shove.\u00a0Parmenter raises her arms to the umpire and asks where the call was.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:57pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:57pm<\/p>\n

Substitutions<\/p>\n

Both Heffernan twins re-enter the game midway though the quarter. First Georgia was spotted having a good one-on-one chat with her coach on the bench before resuming in goal attack. Then the same happened with Kate and she’s now on in wing defence.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:56pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:56pm<\/p>\n

Penalty advanced<\/p>\n

Poi is pinged for pushing Parmenter in the back and forcing her into the Aussie goal third. The contact penalty is brought up to the circle edge for Watson to take it. Australia scores.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 35-32<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:54pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:54pm<\/p>\n

Grenvold tip<\/p>\n

Jessie Grenvold is absolutely killing it! As Nweke tries to pass out of the circle, she bats the ball away and Australia use the opportunity to add another goal to their tally.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 33-31<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:52pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:52pm<\/p>\n

Substitutions<\/p>\n

New Zealand made some changes to their line-up to start the third quarter. Kimiora Poi gets her first minutes in Sydney at wing attack. Gordon shifts to centre and Kate Heffernan is off.<\/p>\n

Important to note, the Diamonds also made a change with 43 seconds left in that second quarter. Bruce came back on in GD, Klau came off and that change has remained coming out of the half-time break.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:49pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:49pm<\/p>\n

Long bomb!<\/p>\n

Dwyer\u00a0nails a long-range shot in front of goal and the crowd likes it.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 28-27<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:49pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:49pm<\/p>\n

Garbin converts<\/p>\n

The Diamonds convert the first centre pass of the third quarter.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 27-26<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:47pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:47pmHT stats<\/p>\n

Let’s take a quick look at the stats. Stacey Marinkovich will be very pleased with her team’s lift in work-rate in defence for this game.<\/p>\n

They were very low on that stat to start this series, so to be level with the Kiwis is a huge improvement.<\/p>\n

She was also correct in her comments, foreshadowing that the Diamonds would be less penalised on Australian soil. Interesting. Let’s see if that is the case by the end of the match.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Champion Datat)<\/p>\n

Here we see the Diamonds are leading the centre pass to goal stat. That tells us they’ve been the more clinical side so far.<\/p>\n

Both teams are even on the gain to goal rate though. That’s crazy. Shows how close the contest has been overall. Both sides good in transition.<\/p>\n

\"\"(Champion Data)Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:37pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:37pmHT: Score level 26-all<\/p>\n

Sorry for the delay on the info here, was just doing a quick radio cross for Summer Grandstand, live around the country on your local ABC radio station.<\/p>\n

The Diamonds have been the more dominant side in the first half no doubt, but New Zealand’s wiley defenders did a good job at putting the pressure on Sophie Garbin in the closing minutes.<\/p>\n

With the final centre pass of the second quarter the Silver Ferns levelled the score. That means the game will essentially restart. Doesn’t matter who has had more momentum heading into the break. It’s pretty much a clean slate.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:36pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:36pm<\/p>\n

NZ defenders combine<\/p>\n

With thirty seconds to go, the Silver Ferns win back more possession. Jackson gets a touch on a ball sent into the Australian circle by Watson and Burger pulls it in.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 26-25<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:32pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:32pm<\/p>\n

Substitutions<\/p>\n

Swifts star\u00a0Sarah Klau rolls on in goal defence, replacing Courtney Bruce with four minutes left before half-time.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:30pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:30pm<\/p>\n

Parmenter chase<\/p>\n

Midway through the quarter, it’s the Australians with the edge. In the middle third, on New Zealand’s centre pass, Dwyer gets a deflection and\u00a0Parmenter chases after it. The Aussies add another to their tally.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 23-19<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:28pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:28pm<\/p>\n

Grenvold touch<\/p>\n

Grenvold is up and about. She gets a touch on a feed meant for Nweke and the ball rolls forward to the circle edge. New Zealand is able to pick it up and put the ball throw the net.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead\u00a020-18<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:25pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:25pm<\/p>\n

Watson’s overthrow<\/p>\n

New Zealand are called for a held ball in their goal third, trying to feed Nweke and although Australia transition all the way up the court, the Aussie captain overcooks the feed to her shooters. Ball goes over the back line, it’s a throw in for the opposition and the Silver Ferns finish what they started.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 16-14<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:22pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:22pm<\/p>\n

Controversial call<\/p>\n

Early in the second quarter,\u00a0Garbin took the ball on the baseline and had a split stance. But\u00a0Jackson landed\u00a0in between her legs and forced her back foot over the line. Throw-in New Zealand. They edge one back on the scoreboard.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:16pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:16pmQT: Australia lead 15-11<\/p>\n

Well, well, well. Stacey Marinkovich spoke about how important those first five minutes were and they had to scramble to make changes in the first 30 seconds when Moloney re-injured her hand. Despite the chaos, they did SO WELL to get on with it. Sophie Dwyer has been great so far, considering she was expecting to sit on the bench for most of this game,\u00a0 to come on and make an impact that quickly she was a shining light in that first quarter.<\/p>\n

With two minutes left to go, Silver Ferns head coach Noeline Taurua made a change, bringing Te Paea Selby-Rickit on in goal attack to replace Georgia Heffernan. Clearly their attack isn’t humming the way she’d like.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:16pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:16pm<\/p>\n

Jackson intercept<\/p>\n

Kelly Jackson has been so dominant throughout this series and the Kiwi goal keeper gets her first gain for game three.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 15-11<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:15pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:15pm<\/p>\n

Mammoth feed<\/p>\n

The Diamonds win possession in New Zealand’s goal third and Parmenter sets up Garbin with a massive ball sent into the circle from the middle third.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 14-9<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:12pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:12pm<\/p>\n

GRENVOLD INTERCEPT<\/p>\n

Three games into her international career and Jessie Grenvold gets a big cheer! Clean ball, fair and square that Australia manages to convert.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia leads 11-8<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:11pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:11pm<\/p>\n

Great shooting combo<\/p>\n

This last-minute shooting combo is flourishing! Dwyer misses a shot and Garbin chases the rebound and slots it through the hoop. They’re backing each other up and protecting the ball, setting screens nicely.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 10-8<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:08pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:08pm<\/p>\n

Australia hits the lead<\/p>\n

The team has lifted! They hold up the Silver Ferns for close to 10 passes in the midcourt on their next centre pass. Then Nweke misses a shot,\u00a0Parmenter chases after it and taps it back into Grenvold as she falls out of court. The attackers reward their efforts and the Diamonds hit the lead.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Australia lead 5-4<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:06pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:06pm<\/p>\n

Scores level<\/p>\n

With the next centre pass Australia level the scoreboard.<\/p>\n

SCORE: Tied 4-all<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:05pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:05pm<\/p>\n

Heffernan misses<\/p>\n

Georgia Heffernan misses a shot at goal and the Diamonds get the throw-in. A huge cheer inside the arena spurs them down the court in transition. They edge one back.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand lead 4-3<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:02pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:02pm<\/p>\n

Moloney injury<\/p>\n

Oh no. You know those wonderful changes to the line-up we spoke about? With players returning to their favoured positions? That’s been thrown out with the first centre pass. Moloney came off the court with a busted hand. It appears her stitches may have re-opened.<\/p>\n

As a result, Watson shifts to centre, Horjus to wing attack and\u00a0Sophie Dwyer comes off the bench into goal attack.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:01pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 4:01pmGame is underway!<\/p>\n

New Zealand have the first centre pass. Although Australia got a couple of tips on the ball it doesn’t stop them converting.<\/p>\n

SCORE: New Zealand lead 1-0<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:55pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:55pm<\/p>\n

Offensive contacts an issue<\/p>\n

In my coaching experience , lopsided penalty counts can often come when a team under pressure \u2018tries that bit harder\u2019. Players lose track of the ball play because they are determined to \u2018get there first\u2019 resulting in early or late interventions meaning increased penalties. Coach\u2019s job to keep player mindset correct.<\/p>\n

– Phillip<\/p>\n

This can be true Phil! But the biggest issue for the Diamonds were the offensive penalties called against their goal shooters in the final quarter. There was at least five called against Donnell Wallam, Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin as they tried to push off the body of Kelly Jackson and get free. It led to a lot of turnover.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:54pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:54pmStarting 7s<\/p>\n

AUSTRALIA<\/p>\n

With the series on the line, the Diamonds have made five changes to their starting line-up.<\/p>\n

GS \u2013 Sophie Garbin<\/p>\n

GA \u2013 Georgie Horjus<\/p>\n

WA \u2013 Liz Watson<\/p>\n

C \u2013 Kate Moloney<\/p>\n

WD \u2013 Amy Parmenter<\/p>\n

GD \u2013 Courtney Bruce<\/p>\n

GK \u2013 Jessie Grenvold<\/p>\n

SUBS:\u00a0Kiera Austin, Sophie Dwyer, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Donnell Wallam<\/p>\n

Captain Liz Watson has been under some pressure for her performances but she has been playing at centre to cover injuries. Today she takes back hold of the wing attack bib and her apprentice Georgie Horjus gets a start IN THE CIRCLE!<\/p>\n

Horjus is an excellent WA \/ GA swing and yet she is the only shooting option the Diamonds haven’t tried this series.\u00a0Horjus is the smallest player in the team at 172cm. She is 20cm shorter than Silver Ferns goal keeper Kelly Jackson and 12cm shorter than goal defence Karin Burger\u00a0\u2014 but it doesn’t seem to trouble her in Super Netball, where she’s won three titles with the Adelaide Thunderbirds. That means\u00a0Kiera Austin heads to the bench.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile,\u00a0Kate Moloney returns to her best position at centre, making room for\u00a0Amy Parmenter to get her first start of the series at wing defence. And lastly, new centurion Courtney Bruce\u00a0\u2014 who has typically started in goal keeper for most of her prior 101 caps \u2014starts in goal defence.<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND<\/p>\n

Three changes for the Silver Ferns.<\/p>\n

GS \u2013 Grace Nweke<\/p>\n

GA \u2013 Georgia Heffernan<\/p>\n

WA \u2013 Maddy Gordon<\/p>\n

C \u2013 Kate Heffernan<\/p>\n

WD \u2013 Mila Reuelu-Buchanan<\/p>\n

GD \u2013 Karin Burger<\/p>\n

GK \u2013 Kelly Jackson<\/p>\n

SUBS: Parris Mason, Kimiora Poi, Ta Paea Selby-Rickit, Carys Stythe, Amelia Walmsley<\/p>\n

Maddy Gordon is into wing attack, Kate Heffernan is into centre and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan gets her first start of the series at wing defence. She was excellent there throughout the Commonwealth Games.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:31pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:31pm<\/p>\n

The start is important<\/p>\n

Speaking on Friday in Sydney, Marinkovich told ABC Sport reporter Amanda Shalala that the biggest lesson the team has taken from the opening matches is to get the start of the match right.<\/p>\n

“For us, we’ve really got to be able to take the first five minutes of the quarters,” she said.<\/p>\n

“I think they’ve got little jumps on us in those moments. We’ve got to really solidify ball that we do get and make sure that we do put it on the scoreboard to pass some of that pressure back to New Zealand.”<\/p>\n

\"TwoMarinkovich and her assistant Nicole Richardson were left scratching heads after losing the opening two matches. (Getty)<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:25pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:25pm<\/p>\n

Lopsided penalty count<\/p>\n

Australia has been heavily penalised throughout the series and Stacey Marinkovich said her team would be looking for clarification from the umpires as to why that is.<\/p>\n

New Zealand has conceded 100 penalties so far, while the Diamonds have conceded 145. That’s a lot of time standing beside your player, unable to contribute to play.<\/p>\n

The same two umpires will officiate all four games of the series: Gary Burgess (English) and Alison Harrison (Welsh).<\/p>\n

But Marinkovich told the media that she felt the Diamonds were umpired differently on home soil. Whether the coach agrees or not, they definitely need to be more disciplined today.<\/p>\n

“In history, for the last four years, we’ve been penalised in New Zealand and it kind of shifts when we’re in Australia \u2026 But I don’t think our game plan changes too differently.”<\/p>\n

You can read more about that in our analysis below.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:14pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:14pm<\/p>\n

Team changes<\/p>\n

AUSTRALIA<\/p>\n

Australia has two players out with Jamie-Lee Price nursing a calf injury and Matilda Garrett scratched from the game with concussion so this 12 is literally the only 12 players left in their Constellation Cup squad.<\/p>\n

One of the Diamonds’ strengths is the squad’s depth, so that’s taken a hit. As has its confidence. It’ll be interesting to see how they fare without this pair.<\/p>\n

Thankfully there is some good news and that is that Kate Moloney is back fighting fight after suffering a nasty finger laceration at training. She missed the first outing but was stitched up and appeared on Wednesday night.<\/p>\n

“The finger is fine. I had a few more stitches put in after the game, but the finger is good to go,” Moloney told the ABC.<\/p>\n

Loading Instagram content<\/p>\n

NEW ZEALAND<\/p>\n

Head coach Noeline Taurua has made a single change to her team for game three and it’s caught us by surprise.<\/p>\n

In Auckland, Kimiora Poi started the match in WA and put on a solid performance.<\/p>\n

She was replaced in the team by Peta Toeava for the Christchurch game, who went from outside the side into the starting line-up, taking hold of that WA bib.<\/p>\n

She was phenomenal and really hard to shutdown. Now there’s been a direct swap again. Poi in for Toeava.<\/p>\n

Keeping us on our toes! Both offer such different playing styles at wing attack. Maybe this is their trial for the spot for next year’s World Cup?<\/p>\n

Loading Instagram content<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:04pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 3:04pm<\/p>\n

A series recap<\/p>\n

If you missed Wednesday night’s game in Christchurch where the Diamonds suffered a heavy defeat to the Silver Ferns 62-50 you can find our blog from game two here.<\/p>\n

Sun 25 Oct 2026 at 2:38pmSun 25 Oct 2026 at 2:38pmWe’re at the game!<\/p>\n

Hello! Thanks for joining our live blog for the Constellation Cup. Brittany Carter\u00a0at the Sydney SuperDome ready for game three. It’s so nice to be in-person for this one. I cannot think of a better way to end the week than some international netball.<\/p>\n

A reminder, we’ve already had two games played in this series for the New Zealand leg, with the Diamonds trailing 2-0 as they try to get back on track on home soil. If the Aussies win today, the series will still be alive ahead of the final match in Melbourne. However, if they lose this match the Constellation Cup will be the Silver Ferns for just the fourth time in history. There is also thought that three games might be enough for New Zealand to dethrone the Aussies from the world number one ranking spot, but the way the rankings are worked out is confusing… We do know for sure that a 4-0 cleansweep would see a change at the top.<\/p>\n

SCHEDULE<\/p>\n

Game 1: Sunday 18 October, 5:40pm AEDT \u2014 Auckland<\/p>\n

New Zealand won 56-50<\/p>\n

Game 2: Wednesday 21 October, 5:40pm AEDT \u2014\u00a0 Christchurch<\/p>\n

New Zealand won 62-50<\/p>\n

Game 3: Sunday 25 October, 4:00pm AEDT \u2014 Sydney<\/p>\n

Game 4: Wednesday 28 October, 7:30pm AEDT \u2014 Melbourne<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Australia has lost game three of the Constellation Cup 52-49 to New Zealand to hand the trophy back…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":940162,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[64,356527,63,122931,9736,148848,588,85,9737],"class_list":["post-940161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-au","tag-aussie-diamonds","tag-australia","tag-constellation-cup","tag-netball","tag-new-zealand-silver-ferns","tag-sport","tag-sports","tag-womens-sport"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/940161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=940161"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/940161\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/940162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=940161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=940161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=940161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}