Australia are out for redemption as they take on New Zealand tonight for the first time since losing the Constellation Cup.
And coach Stacey Marinkovich has opted for her most tried and trusted starting seven to take on the Silver Ferns, with Sunday Aryang rushed straight back in to partner Courtney Bruce in defence.
Liz Watson and Kate Moloney – the former Vixens teammates, will run the midcourt while current Vixens teammate Sophie Garbin and Kiera Austin will start in attack for Australia.
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The Diamonds had been titleholders in nine of the past 10 series before the Silver Ferns caused the 2024 boilover, taking out the first three games – including the victory on Aussie soil in Perth that sealed the title.
STARTING SEVEN
Australia: GS Garbin, GA Austin, WA Watson, C Moloney, WD Price, GD Aryang, GK Bruce
New Zealand: GS Nweke, GA Salmon, WA Reuelu-Buchanan, C Gordon, WD K.Heffernan, GD Burger, GK Jackson
It was just the third time in Con Cup history that New Zealand claimed the series, and it’s left a fire burning through the Diamonds camp.
“I think it’s always the best rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, and there’s so much talent so it’s going to be super exciting,” Diamonds star Amy Parmenter said.
“We do want a bit of revenge for what happened in 2024.
“There’s an extra edge coming up in Con Cup.”
But with new tied series rules – where the final game will head into extra time rather than a series goal aggregate to determine the winner, Australia will have to shake off an unwanted record: having won just once in New Zealand in the past six years.
“It’s redemption for us,” midcourter Jamie-Lee Price said.
“We were really disappointed with the way we played last year against them.
“Being able to win in New Zealand as well is really crucial for us – just to prove we’re capable of beating them any where, any place, anytime. It’s something that’s really important for us.”
Captain Liz Watson, defender Courtney Bruce and goaler Kiera Austin all return for the Aussies after missing the final game of the series win over South Africa last week.
It’s a shaken New Zealand who arrive in Australia for the first match tonight in Melbourne, off the back of Dame Noeline Taurua’s shock axing as head coach and captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio’s decision to step down from international duties.
But one thing is certain – you can never write off the Silver Ferns.
Game one begins tonight at John Cain Arena with the first centre pass from 7.30pm. The series will then head to Sydney, before the New Zealand leg of the series begins October 26.
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SQUADS
Australia: Sunday Aryang, Kiera Austin, Courtney Bruce, Sophie Garbin, Matilda Garrett, Georgie Horjus, Sarah Klau, Cara Koenen, Kate Moloney, Amy Parmenter, Jamie-Lee Price, Liz Watson (c)
New Zealand: Karin Burger (c). Maddy Gordon, Catherine Hall, Georgia Heffernan, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Grace Nweke, Kimiora Poi, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Martina Salmon, Peta Toeava, Amelia Walmsley
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