Nat Medhurst: Big questions facing Diamonds in the Constellation Cup, headlined by GA back-up plan

The rivalry always brings out the best in the Diamonds and Silver Ferns, no matter how the teams appear on paper or their lead-in form.

Three of the past four Constellation Cup series (2020 was cancelled due to Covid), have ended in a tie at two games apiece, with the result coming down to goal difference; resulting in an Aussie victory the past two years. Time to revert to a best-of-three, or expand to a best-of-five? I think so, though we’ve got four matches again this year.

Though our Diamonds have dominated international netball recently, not since the second Constellation Cup Test of 2019 has Australia won a game on New Zealand soil. It has to be a concern for coach Stacey Marinkovich heading into game one in Wellington on Sunday.

Though Australia has won a World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold since 2019, the ability to perform away from home in this series should matter to the Diamonds. Same for the Silver Ferns, of course, but they managed a 4-0 clean sweep in 2021.

Here’s my look at some of the major talking points for this Constellation Cup.

GOAL ATTACK PRESSURE FOR DIAMONDS

The Diamonds welcome back key defenders Jo Weston and Courtney Bruce in their squad of 15, while midcourt/shooting young gun Georgie Horjus is a chance to make her Test debut. Defensively and through the midcourt, Marinkovich has plenty of flexibility and options regardless of which 12 players she goes with – though less so in the front line.

Sophie Dwyer has yet to secure enough court time or solid performances to provide genuine confidence in what she can deliver at goal attack, with Kiera Austin well and truly securing the Diamonds GA bib by dominating the Roses series. Though the Diamonds have a great strength in that both shooters provide solid threats to the goal post, making it difficult for opposition defenders to contain, the current goal attack situation does put significant pressure on Austin to deliver every game; which so far, she has been able to do.

Yet if the pressure is on and the GA is struggling in Sunday’s first Test, is Marinkovich willing to go for a young gun to turn things around? Will it work? Or could it be detrimental to that young player going forward? No doubt Marinkovich will back her training environment to have prepared players for the rigours of an International series, yet game day is different.

Starting the series off with a victory, and more so winning in New Zealand, is a challenge that needs to be overcome by this team.

AMAZING GRACE, BUT DON’T FORGET AMELIARANNE

Unlike the Diamonds, who have a more balanced approach through their shooters to post, the Silver Ferns rely heavily on incoming NSW Swift, Grace Nweke. Nweke carries a huge load for the Ferns, shooting more than 80 per cent of their goals against the Roses at a shooting percentage of 88.6. Plenty of expectant eyes will be on Nweke, given her looming arrival in Super Netball.

A bit has been said about Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s recent form, though I would expect her to get back to her best against Australia. If the Diamonds don’t give her the respect that she deserves, her ability to fill the gap and go to post can crucify the opposition.

Either way, the Diamonds defenders need to shut down the avenue to Nweke, preventing ball hitting the goal circle edge, or forcing long balls from off the circle, allowing the goal keeper to have a fly or reposition to force the ball over the baseline. The Diamonds have continued to mix up their defensive strategies, often shifting seamlessly between their relentless one-on-one style defence and a more off-line, box defence. Anticipating that the traditional Aussie one-on-one will be their default, how the Ferns respond and how the Diamonds shift their game at crucial moments will be interesting to watch.

CAN FERNS DEFENDERS CONTAIN DIAMONDS?

Despite New Zealand’s series loss against England, there was a bit to get excited about at the defensive end, with debutant Parris Mason making a name for herself and combining nicely with Kelly Jackson (nee Jury). With Mason under an injury cloud, the return of experienced defender Phoenix Karaka into the squad is timely.

These Silver Ferns defenders are going to have their work cut out for them. Can they turn the countless number of deflections they get into gains? Do they have the smarts to nullify Austin? Can they hassle and out-manoeuvre the Australian midcourt without giving away penalties, easing the pressure and access to the goal circle? Will their midcourt be patient and smart with their ball use in attack, to keep it away from a flying Bruce of Sarah Klau?

These are the questions that the Ferns must answer on Sunday to set themselves up for a win.

BATTLE OF MINDS, AND MILES

These teams are in for an intense four-Test schedule, with a huge road trip from Auckland to Perth between games two and three (four days apart). Apart from the gruelling travel, there will be many battles to unfold.

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Coaching decisions from Marinkovich and Dame Noeline Taurua, will be key, as will be their ability to review and turn around quickly. They’ll both have an eye kept on winning the series while also considering their planning for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2027 World Cup; the depth of their talent and what areas need to be addressed.

There’s no doubt that despite their recent history in New Zealand, the Diamonds are going in as favourites. But if anyone is thinking that this will be a whitewash, you’d better think again.

The Australia v New Zealand rivalry is never that simple.